Computer retailer CompUSA Inc. this
week absorbed its online store formerly known as Cozone.com and created a new e-commerce
strategy that relies on a combination of clicks and bricks to cater to
customers.
“We were disappointed with its [Cozone.com’s] sales,” said Suzanne Shelton,
director of public relations for CompUSA (CPU).
“As a result of revaluations, we decided to merge Cozone.com’s operations
into CompUSA so it will brand better.”
Consumers who attempt to visit Cozone.com are told that the site has been
integrated with its parent company, CompUSA. It contains an applet that
takes them to the new shopping site within a few seconds.
The revamped e-tail site makes it possible for most of the items available
in CompUSA stores to be purchased online and returned via mail or at any
CompUSA store. It also provide shoppers with buying guides that supply
product knowledge about the categories they are interested in. “Jill, the
Notebook Advisor,” is an online sales assistant who answers customer
questions and helps shoppers determine which notebook PC best suits their
needs.
Also, after consumers choose a product, the “pricing and availability”
feature allows customers to enter a zip code to check on national product
pricing and availability at the five closest CompUSA retail stores.
Customers may also select a category such as notebook computers, and pull up
a list of all products in that category that CompUSA carries along with
national pricing.
“We will utilize our Web site to give customers the information they need to
maximize one of their most precious resources,
which is time, while providing online shoppers with the comfort of ordering
from a name that they know and trust,” said James. F. Halpin, president and
chief executive officer of CompUSA Inc.