New retail platform gives online shopping the personal touch

Shoptility has launched with an ambition to transform the way people shop online.  Founded by entrepreneur Will Lownsbrough, Shoptility promises to dramatically reduce the time people spend searching for products online by putting consumers and retailers in direct contact.  This means a quicker, easier and more personal experience for shoppers and a more meaningful connection for retail brands that can tailor their products to meet customer needs. 

Shoptility will initially launch in the travel sector, with partners ranging from large established brands such as Cox & Kings, Fred. Olsen Travel and James Villas to niche players including Snow Finders, Regal Dive and Pure Safari, to name but a few.  It will expand into other categories such as home and garden, electricals and wine in the next three months.  

Shoptility was developed in response to the time it typically takes to make considered purchases online. For example, the average Briton spends as many as 24 hours looking for and researching holidays on the internet. Shoptility aims to put an end to seemingly endless searching across multiple sites, enabling shoppers to have a one-to-one dialogue with retailers to find the product or service that is right for them.  Consumers can contact multiple retailers with a single, simple message; they simply outline their requirements and can expect to receive a tailored response in return.

For retailers Shoptility is an exciting and efficient new sales channel that will help generate leads.  It provides a level playing field for brands large and small; niche specialists will have the same opportunity as major household brands to connect with consumers and respond to their requirements.  Another key benefit is the fact that Shoptility enables retailers to communicate with consumers on a one-to-one basis, allowing them to respond to the individual needs of each shopper and build brand loyalty – a departure from the traditional ‘one size fits all’ online shopping experience.  

CEO Will Lownsbrough says, “Online shopping is enjoying double digit growth but we believe there is an opportunity to change the experience for consumers and retailers alike.  Consumers in today’s connected world are more demanding than ever, and we know from the huge amount of research that exists that they want a greater level of customer service and personalisation. What we’re doing is completely different to anything else at the moment. We reverse the method of search, with the retailer doing the searching on behalf of the shopper. They have the product knowledge and are best placed to provide the shopper with exactly what they are looking for, leaving the shopper to sit back and relax.   

“As for retailers, they recognise that the future of online shopping is not only driven by competitive pricing but by one-to-one customer relationships, which help build loyalty and brand advocacy. This is online shopping at its best - faster, easier, more personal and more meaningful than ever before.”