Diageo Launches Pioneering eCommerce Site
LONDON -- Alexander & James is Diageo's first foray into e-commerce that directly targets customers seeking the multinational alcoholic beverages company's premium labels, Blue Label and Gold Label Reserve Johnnie Walkers, Tanqueray No. 10, Ciroc, Ketel One and selected single malts such as Cragganmore, Singleton, and Caol Ila.
By launching the website, Diageo aims to capitalize on the ever-increasing trend to buy online and will sell directly to "discerning shoppers" in the U.K.
Alexander & James managing director Philippa Dickson commented:
We created Alexander & James in response to the way people are seeking to purchase luxury items online. We identified an opportunity to create a luxury e-commerce platform that would be engaging and inspiring, bringing the brand product credentials to life -- craftsmanship, heritage, provenance.
Alexander & James is more than an online shop, it provides ideas that will appeal to the lifestyle of the discerning person alongside new and beautifully packaged gift ideas. It is a white glove, end to end luxury brand experience where people will be able to learn about our spirits and receive expert advice on food pairing and mixology ideas for every occasion. We provide the ease of making a well-informed purchase online.
On a day that saw the Office for National Statistics reveal that U.K. retail sales fell in January, despite analysts having predicted a rise, the move could prove to be a canny one for Diageo. Volumes were down 0.6% year on year, although heavy snowfall in the month was blamed for the decrease in footfall. It ought to be pointed out, too, that larger retailers fared better than their smaller counterparts, while the amount spent online accounted for 10.1% of all retail spending (excluding fuel).
With innovative strategies like the launch of Alexander & James and increasing its spend on key markets, I believe Diageo can continue to grow over the next few years, having already seen earnings increase at a rate of 14% per year over the last five.
Diageo is currently on a prospective yield of around 2.4%. If your strategy focuses on income from shares, however, then you may wish to read this exclusive in-depth report about another high-income opportunity within the FTSE 100.
The blue chip in question offers a 5.7% yield, might be worth 850 pence versus around 690 pence now, and has just been declared the "Motley Fool's Top Income Stock for 2013"! Just click here to download the report -- it's absolutely free.
The article Diageo Launches Pioneering eCommerce Site originally appeared on Fool.com.
Sam Robson owns shares in Diageo. The Motley Fool recommends Diageo plc (ADR). Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
