With the Internet becoming the primary communication channel for most businesses today, the basis is laid for e-commerce to grow multi-fold in the next couple of years.

The first Online Retailing Conference held recently in Johannesburg received good feedback, proving that e-commerce has developed immensely. Cape Town will now also get the opportunity to attend this unique event.

Just think back not so long ago, the concept of services over the internet was unheard of, consumers were not in a position to buy movie or concert tickets online, could not book a flight, hire a car, pay for electricity or a traffic fine over the Internet.

On-line retailing is booming in South Africa at the moment and the success rate is phenomenal - 80% of all online retail operations are profitable, 19% are breaking even and only 1% is running a loss.

Today the scenario has changed completely. Do you know for instance that:

• by the end of 2009, 6,9 million South Africans used the Internet regularly?
• internet advertising in South Africa grew at the fastest rate of all countries in the English-language world?
• that South Africans spent R514 million shopping online in 2008?

For most businesses, the online channel has evolved from a novelty to an essential tool - a strategic way in conducting business.

For a virtual business the start-up costs are low. And the ability to automate it is excellent, with the resultant ability to generate income on its own.

However, to stay ahead, online stores have numerous challenges to overcome. Stock availability, speed, quality and availability of products, competitive pricing, after sales service and security are just some of the requirements to adhere to, to make an online store successful.

Trade Conferences International has assembled a top class speaker panel that will enlighten delegates on the current online retailing scenario, as well as developments and technological innovations that have been introduced to the industry. They will give knowledgeable insight into the future of online retailing and practical solutions to remain globally-competitive.

Issues such as internet security, on-line content management, electronic marketing, challenges, strategies, payments and regulation will be addressed, plus many more.

The conference will provide an essential platform for all online stakeholders to share ideas, knowledge and network while also giving attendees the opportunity to discover more about the latest technology products and solutions available in South Africa.

We invite delegates to join their colleagues at this unique event for the online retail industry. The first event of its kind ever to be held in South Africa is now coming to Cape Town.