A massive increase in online shoppers has left retailers with a wealth of consumer data which, if used effectively, could help segment databases and target customers for future sales campaigns. For those retailers that find their database systems creaking under the weight of that data, MIG offers some simple ideas on how to make use of it throughout the year.

Online fashion retail is becoming 'fashionable' and more big name retailers are debuting transactional websites. MIG are looking to help these newcomers follow in the footsteps of the bold retailers who braved the skeptics of this predominantly cautious web market and remove the barrier to the tangible nature of the product in online sales.

According to research from Ipsos MORI, 82% of consumers in the UK want a more multi-channel approach between shopping in-store, online and by catalogue, with no difference in service between channels. Almost half of respondents in their survey found the lack of integration between web and call-centre irritating, with 44% saying it's important that call centre staff have access to a record of what shoppers have viewed online.