Feb 13, 2012

SnapRetail Launches SnapFinds Nationwide

SnapRetail, a technology company that provides the only integrated marketing and sales solution to drive increased sales for local retailers, has launched an innovative deal program that is the first to combine exclusive offer deals on products with a unique buy local concept for small retailers nationwide. With a focus on how trust and loyalty are important to consumers and an emphasis on unique product finds rather than deep discounting, the program is specifically for small retailers in the $75 billion gift and home industry, helping them to increase sales and store traffic.

“While there has been an explosion in demand for daily deals from consumers in the past, SnapRetail has moved in the opposite direction by building our model on relationships and loyalty in today’s crowded marketplace. We realized that the small local retailers we work with across the nation were not being served well,” explained Ted Teele, CEO of SnapRetail. “SnapFinds offers new nationally sourced products rather than services, and works with local retailers to bring the power of each sale into local communities. It is a winning model for consumers, retailers and vendors alike and a bridge for many small retailers who have not moved to selling products online.”

Recognizing that small retailers are critical to our economy and many communities nationwide, the program includes local retailers on product deals by sourcing products nationally, then helping retailers tap the relationships they have with their customers to sell locally using a store pick-up model. Rather than offering extreme discounts, SnapFinds offers new merchandise (not close outs) and fresh, unique merchandise combinations (such as a bag and scarf) with price points averaging between $25-$75. The program is also novel in that it does not require the retailer to purchase any up-front inventory, so all proceeds are pure profit to the retailer.

SnapFinds is a transaction-based platform that allows local retailers to sell daily offers online using their own email lists, and Facebook and Twitter connections. The offers are presented as coming from the local retailer, not a third party. This strategy leverages the often strong relationship that exists already with a local retailer and their customers, and increases open and conversion rates in a more cost-effective manner than sending millions of non-targeted emails every day. Once a purchase is made, the product is shipped to the store free of charge for pick up, increasing store traffic for the retailer.

The company created a soft launch for gift buying to test the program in November 2011. It involved products from 11 top vendors like Lindsay Phillips, Midwest CBK and hundreds of retailers nationwide. The launch reached hundreds of thousands of consumers who learned about the program from local retailers via email, Facebook, Twitter and word of mouth. Many were in small towns where daily deals like Groupon do not have a presence. The launch was a success, as over 70% of participants sold items, and many stores saw increased store traffic.

“The model is a win for everyone,” said Lindsay Phillips, owner of Lindsay Phillips, the leading interchangeable accessory company (www.lindsay-phillips.com). “Retailers have no cost to participate, make money on every sale and attract customers to their stores to pick up products they may not normally have access to. Manufacturers find new sales channels at minimal cost. And consumers get access to great products often unavailable in their own neighborhood, affordable prices and free shipping, while supporting their local, independent stores.”

“Participating in SnapFinds was a no-brainer”, said store owner Becky Vickery of La Ti Da (http://www.latidaonline.com/) in Suwanee, GA. “Our December sales increased 30% over last year, and we believe it was, in large part, driven by SnapFinds.”

http://www.snapretail.com/snapfinds/

ABOUT SNAPRETAIL
SnapRetail provides the only integrated marketing and sales solution that drives increased sales and store traffic for local retailers. Retailers can buy leading gift and home décor brands, promote through email, Facebook and Twitter, and sell daily offers all from one easy, affordable web-based system. SnapRetail’s strong relationships with over 140 leading gift and home décor manufacturers ensure that retailers have the product information required to build successful marketing and sales programs.

Recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of America’s 100 Brilliant Companies, SnapRetail makes it a snap for small stores to compete with larger retailers and remain vital members of their communities. More information is available on www.snapretail.com and at www.facebook.com/snapretail.