New website delivers critical element of RS Components

The new website represents the latest step in a plan to put eCommerce firmly at the heart of the company’s business, ensuring that RS customers enjoy the best and most relevant online experience, regardless of location or browsing device. The launch follows extensive research by RS into its customers' use of the website and takes the best examples offered by consumer websites from around the world.

The new functionality enables customers to more easily search the products that they want and to access an array of 3D CAD models. The website’s enhanced search algorithm delivers more relevant content and allows customers to tailor their results in their own way. Additional major enhancements include clearer pricing, instant stock availability and ‘Compare View’, which delivers a more intuitive product comparison.

I'm very impressed with the layout of the new RS website as it's now much easier to find products, both using the improved search facility and through the clearer page layouts. The addition of the comparative viewing tool is especially helpful as I can evaluate several products in one go which will be an invaluable time saver for my business. The improved browsing capability means that I am now more aware of all the services on offer. It's obvious to me that RS has really understood what its customers require and is committed to delivering a superior online experience, stated Steve Hyman, Armourer, Armoury Services.

eCommerce is fundamental to the RS business. Alongside its website, RS offers market-leading web-based procurement solutions for small and large companies. In the financial year ended March 2011, these channels delivered sales worth £575m having grown by 37%. Over 53% of the Group’s revenues are now being generated via online channels and this is set to rise further as the company delivers on its eCommerce strategy, building a £1Bn+ eCommerce business at its heart.

Keith Reville, General Manager, eCommerce, said: “Our customers told us that they wanted better search capabilities with minimum fuss. We want to go beyond that requirement and transform their entire online experience with us. The delivery of this strategic milestone dramatically reduces the number of clicks required for customers to find new products, and enhances the look and feel of the site. We are pioneers and a global force in B2B eCommerce, having developed our first website in 1998, and are continuing in the same vein with this launch of the most advanced transactional website in our industry sector. It represents a cornerstone of our e-centric vision and an important step in delivering our eCommerce strategy.”