Procrastinators Redeemed: Shoppers Get Extra Time to Buy Online This Holiday Season
Shipping Cutoffs move out to 5 p.m. on Dec 23, 2008; Ensure Last-Minute Deliveries Arrive On Time
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Dec. 15, 2008 – Shoppers will be able to shop much later online as retailers push out their shipping cutoff dates this holiday season, expects GSI Commerce Inc. (Nasdaq: GSIC), a leading provider of e-commerce and multichannel solutions. In an effort to capture as much online shopping traffic as possible, GSI has rolled out a program for its retail partners that enables customers to order as late as 5 p.m., EST on Dec. 23, 2008, and receive packages by Dec. 24, 2008. The action will give consumers extra time to take advantage of promotions, complete their holiday shopping online, and in many cases avoid paying extra shipping charges.
“In this climate, online retailers are very interested in extending their shipping offers and cutoff deadlines,” said Bob Wuesthoff, executive vice president of global operations for GSI. “By combining the capabilities of our proprietary technology platform, network of fulfillment centers totaling more than two million square feet, and strategic carrier partnerships, GSI is well-positioned to offer our clients one of the latest shipping cutoffs in the industry.”
With retailers extending free shipping offers and cutoffs, this should help to alleviate a key online consumer concern: paying additional charges for shipping. According to a Forrester Research report, 58 percent of shoppers claim that shipping prices often deter their online buying activities.1
“GSI is focused on finding innovative solutions to help our clients grow their online businesses, while providing a more satisfying experience for consumers,” stated Wuesthoff.
1 Forrester: Outlook for US Online Holiday Sales, 2008
About GSI Commerce
GSI Commerce® (www.gsicommerce.com) is a leading provider of services that enable e-commerce, multichannel retailing and interactive marketing for large, business-to-consumer (b2c) enterprises in the U.S. and internationally. We deliver customized e-commerce solutions through an e-commerce platform, which is comprised of technology, fulfillment and customer care. We offer each of the platform’s components on a modular basis, or as part of an integrated, end-to-end solution. We also offer a full suite of interactive marketing services through two divisions, gsi interactivesm and e-Dialog Inc. (www.e-dialog.com).
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements made in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Additional information about potential factors that could affect GSI Commerce can be found in its most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and other reports and statements filed by GSI Commerce with the SEC. GSI Commerce expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
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Contact:
GSI Commerce, Inc.
Corporate Marketing
610.491.7474
news@gsicommerce.com
