The National Retail Federation (NRF) launched an e-commerce Web site development and hosting program for members in conjunction with StoreSite.
The NRF said the program is designed to meet the complex needs of large retailers while offering affordable solutions to small- and medium-sized merchants. The NRF, through a new partnership with StoreSite, an alliance of Web marketing and technology providers, now offers NRF members a full range of Internet-based e-commerce solutions.
The StoreSite alliance includes ClearCommerce, a provider of e- commerce online transaction processing technology; Pencom Web Works, a provider of Internet development technology; and StoreSearch, an e-commerce oriented Internet marketing company.
Offerings range from storefronts for entrepreneurs looking to explore a new
marketing channel by highlighting a few of their special products, to state-
of-the-art sites with advanced fraud protection back-office systems
integration, online transaction processing and full sales reporting.
The cost of a turn-key transactional Web site can range from $1,299 for entry
level to over $100,000 for major sites, the NRF said. For those who just want
to test the
waters, StoreSite also offers a low cost “billboard” Web site, StorePage, at
$199 per year.
“The Group Buying Service partnership with the StoreSite alliance provides NRF
members with affordable Internet options that can extend brand identity,
increase market share and help forge a new direction,” said Don Gilbert, NRF
senior vice president of information technology.
StoreSite offers six standard packages and features can include secured sales
transaction processing, product graphics with full descriptions, full company
information, a “guestbook” of site visitors, listings in multiple search
engines, e-mail, ad banner capability, advanced fraud protection, traffic
reporting maintenance and site hosting. Web retailers can pay either on a per
transaction basis using the ClearCommerce Hosting Engine, or eliminate such
fees by running ClearCommerce’s Merchant Engine in house.
Said Bill Sands, president of StoreSite: “ClearCommerce will provide the best
of breed online transaction processing software, Pencom Web Works will offer
its technical expertise for Web site development and integration; and
StoreSearch will bring in marketing know-how.”
NRF’s Group Buying Service is aimed at helping retailers reduce fixed
and seasonal operating costs by combining the collective purchasing power of
all its members to obtain special discounted rates on products and services.
