Lenstore First In London With Same-Day Delivery Of Contact Lens

Same-day delivery is not just on the rise in the US, it's becoming a more integral part of e-commerce worldwide. From China to Europe, companies are pursuing to get their products to the customer's doorstep faster. UK-based Lenstore is one company that has its' sights on this concept to grow.

Contact lense online retailer Lenstore has just announced they will be the first online store to offer same-day delivery of contact lens in London. The company is making this service option available after recognizing the high demand for contact lenses being needed quickly by customers. Contact lenses, for those who may not have an additional pair, are crucial for someone to have them right away. This is important also if they are lost. It made a lot of sense to take their online retail business in this direction. This is a move Lenstore hopes to result in a competitive advantage and make the company a clear leader in the contact lens industry.

Lenstore stated in the YahooNews report that same-day delivery services will be offered in most of the Central London area right now. The service option may have a few stipulations, in regards to the delivery location and the availability of the specific prescription. There may be some exceptions, but Lenstore states most of customer prescriptions will be in stock. The key is even with this in mind, the optical giants of the industry like Specsavers and Boots, are not that competitive at all when it comes to real same-day delivery.

E-commerce is a world business market and same-day delivery is a better way to service the consumer. Global online companies, such as Amazon and eBay, have both grabbed hold of being able to offer same-day delivery and have strategies in motion. Online sales are up in 2012 by 16 % worldwide and are expected to continue to increase with the attractive appeal of "mobile commerce", via smartphones and iPads. Shopping is being made easier and easier. It is no coincidence that Lenstore has made the personalized item a part of their e-retail delivery niche.

The question is where will Lenstore go from here. Will the company expand into other markets? 32 million people in the US wear contact lenses. This would be a tremendous market enter into for a growing company like Lenstore. With this being a solid online retail company already, they have the make up to be able to reach other countries. In London, there are millions of prescriptions to fill as well, so they have their hands full. However, we can expect to hear more from Lenstore in the years to come.

Companies like Lenstore is just an example of the surge to offer the convenience of same-day delivery. This can be any company seeking to grow online. The best option to help you provide same-day delivery is by using a courier. Courier services such as A-1 Express can help meet all of your delivery needs. Any e-retail company can partner with this nationwide courier and have their products delivered quickly. The boom in e-commerce does not have to pass any business by. A-1 Express will assist your expansion into new markets and develop a courier solution just right for you.

References: 9.10.12, YahooNews, Lenstore Introduces Same Day Delivery for Contact Lens Wearers

Wal-Mart And E-Retailer Yihaodian Provide Same-Day Delivery Fast In China

Wal-Mart is not only servicing the the US, but is a large global player in the retail market, servicing 28 countries. Wal-Mart Global is not only brick and mortar, but also online and greatly pursuing growth in various markets via e-commerce. Wal-Mart has partnered with a leading e-retailer to use e-commerce in an effective way.

In February 2012, Wal-Mart Global announced a stronger investment into Yihaodian, a well-known B2C e-commerce based company, which sales daily items such as groceries, consumer electronics, and apparel. The investment gave Wal-Mart a 51% stake in Yihaodian. Wal-Mart made it known they are very serious in capturing a strong presence in the China market. China is currently a leader in consumer buying.

Neil Ashe, Walmart Global eCommerce CEO, said earlier this year about the partnership with Yihaodian, "This investment further enables Walmart to deliver a superb customer experience to Chinese consumers that are already connected to the world through smart phones and social media. We are on track to create the next generation of eCommerce, offering the latest in online innovations to give our customers a unique shopping experience. Our further investment in Yihaodian demonstrates that we are committed to investing in China in a key growth industry and developing all that goes with it: logistics, infrastructure, innovative talent and new technologies that will help China meet its development goals".

Yihaodan, started in 2008 and has more than 180,000 sku's of the same daily products that Wal-Mart sales on a regular basis. The company has 5,400 employees and is one of the fasted growing companies in China. As of September this year, Wal-Mart and Yihaodian have made a powerful partnership. Internet Retailer recently reported Yihaodian provides same-day delivery to the largest cities in China. With 34 delivery stations throughout China, the e-retailer takes half a day to fulfill their orders. The company also provides next-day delivery of consumer items as well.

It had been discussed last year about Wal-Mart providing a grocery delivery service. We have not seen this implemented in the US thus far, however, this type of e-commerce in China could be an indicator of what is to come with the world leader of retail. Mobile commerce is becoming the wave of the future and companies like Wal-Mart are changing their business strategies to meet the increase of online demand. The key to e-commerce is not the product, but the speed in which the customer can receive it. Wal-Mart partnering with Yihaodan recognizes that same-day delivery is what will ultimately cause a company's e-commerce to thrive.

Wal-Mart Global is successful with e-retail partner Yihaodan because their delivery system works. Your company can do the same. Same-day delivery couriers such as A-1 Express are who many companies are turning to as the best option to become a force in online business. A-1 Express is not only local, but has a national footprint in the US and can meet all of your same-day delivery needs. This New York Courier can complete order fulfilments fast and can quickly implement courier solutions for the broadest scale of e-commerce.

References: 2.19.12, Wal-Mart Stores, PR Wire, Walmart Global eCommerce Announces Increased Investment in Yihaodian; 9.12.12, Internet Retailer, Dan Davis, Wal-Mart’s Chinese e-retail partner delivers fast

Nintendo Wii U Pre-Orders Sell Out, Companies Have To Meet Online Deliveries

Expects are predicting online shopping will go up this year. As companies gear up for this year's holiday season, technology is leading the pack. Online pre-orders have been selling out for some top tech gadgets this September.

Two of the most anticipated technology products have been the iPhone 5 and the Nintendo Wii. YahooNews recently reported Nintendo's joined the likes of Apple this month, selling out of their online pre-orders. Target, Best Buy, Toys R Us, Sears, and KMart were among the list of major retailers that have ended all pre-orders. Nintendo released their announcement last week, and customers are set to receive their new Wii's on November 18th, right before Thanksgiving arrives. The console will also be available in physical stores that day as well.

The Apple iPhone 5 was reported to have sold out of 2 million units for pre-order in the first 24 hours of their release date. With the demand for the new phone still at a strong pace, Apple has now had to inform some customers they would not receive their iPhone 5 for another 3-4 weeks. With the powerful effects of just one technology advancement such as the iPhone, shopping is being revolutionized before our very eyes. The use of the new iPhone 5 to make purchases via online for the coming holiday season this year is sure to follow.

The online orders prove that e-commerce is becoming an even stronger vehicle for shopping then ever before. With the use of technology, such as the iPhone 5, selling and shopping is very convenient. The only piece of the puzzle left to complete the success of online shopping is how fast can a customer receive their product. Same-day delivery is what online giants like Amazon and eBay are after, because they realize technology is changing the way we do business.

It is understood that this year is huge for online business. It is predicted via Internet Retailer that online sales will increase by 17% this year. Online sales, however, will only as good as your delivery system. Demand is high, but only the company that can keep up with it will ultimately win.

Courier services such as A-1 Express are able to assist companies deliver their products they sell online. This nationwide courier knows what is takes to provide same-day delivery successfully on a consistent basis. With over 1,500 clients and growing, A-1 Express continues to prove itself as a courier that is on pace with modern technology and the same-day delivery demand of e-commerce. A courier can be a strategic partner to take advantage of the anticipated growth and opportunity for the remainder of the year.

References: YahooNews, 9.21.12, CNBC-Nintendo's Wii U Already Selling Out Online

Consumeron Receives Patent Utilizing Mobile Video Devices For Same-Day Delivery

The hunt for same-day delivery is not just happening with the big boys. Many companies are following suit and in the race to provide the most sought after service option since the e-commerce boom. With the creation of mobile devices and tablets, every business knows customers are shopping all the time. This means they are buying something and that something can be their product.

The evolution that same-day delivery causes does not stop with someone just picking up your purchase and have it in your hands within hours. It is more than that with a new personal assistance on demand delivery service company called Consumeron. In a recent article from Telepresence Options, the company says what if you not only had your shopping item delivered, but you could actually see live in real time what the driver purchased for you from that same store.

Consumeron announced their patent issued on the lucrative technology this past week. It includes the patent for remote acquisition and delivery of goods with real-time video inspection. Their same-day delivery service will consist of who they term as stationed mobile delivery agents or “grabbers” throughout various areas of cities. When an order is placed for a product online, the customer will be able to locate and choose the closest grabber to make the pick up of their purchase. That grabber would go into the store and via Consumeron’s new device, the shopper will be given visibility to what the grabber sees. This is as close to feeling the product an online shopper can get.

Customers will be able to use point-of-view video streaming and inspect the very goods they are buying. “We’re so advanced in some areas but backwards in others. Today, when you have to go get it yourself. The most important part of delivery-the last mile-hasn’t really evolved at all. To be able to get anything you need when you need it is just common sense,” said Consumeron CEO and Co-Inventor Mark Barron regarding the delivery of goods in the article. He went on to say, “Consumeron could open up a world of options, and finally bridge the worlds of online shopping and brick-and-mortar retail.”

This is a testament to just how far technology has come. Online shopping is a great convenience already, yet this type of service just makes the online experience friendly and better. To be successful in the e-commerce world, in the middle of the business and consumer, will have to be a courier service.

The boom in the pursuit for same-day delivery has created a fresh and new demand for courier services like A-1 Express. This is a nationwide courier that has the expertise businesses are looking to partner with to put them over the top regarding same-day delivery. A-1 Express understands the latest online service demands and operates with the latest in courier technology to meet them.

Reference: 9.6.12, Jessie Prashar, Mobile Telepresence Adds Fuel To The Race For Same-Day Delivery

Storm Isaac Stops Gulf Oil Production, Gas Prices To Go Up 2.4%

Gas prices were already on the incline as we close the summer and many hoped for the spike to stop. As Isaac gets closer to shore on the Gulf Coast, measures have had to be taken by oil refineries in the area, which will cause gas prices to go up--again.

Tropical Storm Isaac is reported by Yahoo News to be touching the Gulf Coast and refineries are stopping oil production to prepare for it. Production plants will be shut off for about 3 days this week. With the possible reduction of gas supply, gas prices went up quickly on Monday over $.07 per gallon. With Isaac looming, prices could reach a US average of $3.80 per gallon as we head into Labor Day. Gas prices are expected to decline after the holiday and Isaac has subsided.

It appears oil refineries have shut down production as a precautionary measure, but we still will feel the burden this week. Isaac is not as strong as expected and will only be a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday. At this level, the production plants will survive the high winds. The key for the refineries is with so much oil being produced, stopping the plant suddenly if needed, the cooked oil in the pipes could cause delays in restarting it. Therefore, it was expedient to shut them down Monday. As of Monday, %80 of the Gulf oil production was suspended.

To keep gas prices down, the government is considering tapping into the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve. This is our emergency oil reserve, which was also utilized after Hurricane Katrina. Either way, gas prices could continue to go up in the months to come.

With so many businesses and consumers heading into the Labor Day Weekend, transporting goods right now is of great importance. This is especially critical to be able to meet last-minute deliveries and other services with the ripple effect of Isaac nationwide. The weather in various states will even be affected. It would be helpful to turn to a courier for same-day deliveries to handle any normal business adjustments.

Courier services such as A-1 Express can help individuals and companies with same-day deliveries nationwide. With this week's gas prices, your business can turn to A-1 Express to deliver your products, which actually could cost less than if your company performed the deliveries itself. This natiowide courier has the ability to optimize delivery routes and provide multi-stop deliveries that can be cost effective. In this difficult time, A-1 Express can meet your delivery needs and help keep your gas costs down.

Reference: 8.27.12, YahooNews, Jonathan Fahey/Samantha Bomkamp-Gas prices rise as refineries shut for Isaac