Summary
Retailers struggling in a weak economy are looking to boost Internet sales. Sometimes, they're closing stores, delaying store openings or simply paying less attention to them.
Some national chains, such as technology retailer CompUSA, have shuttered dozens of bricks-and-mortar outlets to cut overhead and refocus efforts online. Smaller, local retailers with special niche products are part of the trend.See the full content of this document
Extract
Retailers in Step with Trend Shift Focus to Web Commerce
Betsy Ann Chocolates, the West View-based candy maker, closed six local stores in recent months, leaving just five places where customers can smell and taste the merchandise before buying.
President Jim Paras said Betsy Ann's direct, online sales to customers make up just 5 percent of total revenue. But if the iconic, 70-year-old brand markets itself well on the Web, "The payoff is big," he said. "We ...See the full content of this document
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