Auto Brands Turbo Charge Sales with Shopatron's Innovative Fulfillment Options

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Flexible fulfillment options like in-store pickup and ship-to-store for online orders have put automotive aftermarket merchants that work with Shopatron in the fast lane for growth. In Q3 of 2012, automotive brands working with the retail-integrated eCommerce solution grew online sales 14% over Q3 2011, with some growing as much as 91%.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101109/SHOPATRONLOGO)

In the retail automotive industry, where many products require installation (stereos and accessories) or have high shipping costs (tires and engine parts), traditional ship-to-home eCommerce can be difficult. However, that does not mean consumers do not want to shop and buy automotive products online. According to a recent study by the business intelligence firm Levelwing, 46% of visitors to an auto retailer website visit to research a product for purchase.

In order to be successful, an automotive brand needs to both sell online and integrate a local dealer to support their customers. Lucky for them, this is exactly what Shopatron offers. Shopatron's unique retail-integrated eCommerce solution allows automotive aftermarket brands to sell to consumers through their website and then hand those orders to a local dealer for delivery to the customer, which often includes installation, customization, or other services.

Shopatron's fulfillment solutions, like in-store pickup and ship-to-store, allow online shoppers to choose a local dealer where they want to pick up their order. These options not only eliminate shipping costs and provide customers with the installation service or expert advice they need, they also increase foot traffic to dealers. This is a win-win-win for brands, local dealers, and consumers.

"For specialty automotive brands, being successful online means uniting all of their sales channels," said Shopatron SVP of Marketing Mark Grondin. "Shopatron's unique order management solution blends the online and offline channels into a single, cohesive, and convenient marketplace for consumers."

Shopatron works with more than 60 large and small automotive aftermarket brands including Alpine Electronics, Gibson, Gloss Pro, SuperSprings International and Thule. These brands partner with more than 5,300 dealers to fulfill online orders.

Shopatron will be attending Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 30-November 1; and the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center October 30-November 2.

For more information about Shopatron, or to set up a meeting at the show, visit ecommerce.shopatron.com or call 866-625-5050.

About Shopatron

Shopatron is the world's only eCommerce solution that increases sales online, while also increasing sales through retail stores. Shopatron's eCommerce and order management solution provides an innovative and flexible approach to online sales that matches the unique needs of branded manufacturers, multi-channel retailers, and online marketplaces. Founded in 2001, Shopatron works with more than 1,000 branded manufacturers and 20,000 retail partners across more than 40 industries. Clients include top brands such as Bosch, Suzuki, Polaroid, Mizuno, Ducati, JL Audio, K2, Intermix, and Sport Chalet. The company has offices in San Luis Obispo, California and Swindon, United Kingdom.

SOURCE Shopatron