9.07.2004
Unique Gifts
What does Unique Gifts have to do with web design or Flash design?
Earlier today, I went to see the CEO of Walmart.com (John Fleming) speak at the University of Minnesota. One of the highest 'growth' areas (taken from his presentation) was in Flowers, Cards and Gifts so I decided to do a little bit of research to find out 'what's out there' when it comes to Unique Gifts. I would expect the top ranked sites to be those with great merchandise with interfaces designed to encourage my business. Let's find out.
The results were not very inspiring. Search for Unique Gifts on Google and the first thing that pops up is a place called BlueChopsticks.com - not a particularly attractive site and at first glance, it would seem that there's nothing unique at all about the site OR the gifts that it offers. If this is the 'state' of one of the largest growth areas in e-commerce - someone's going to step up and make it big...really big.
A bit further on down the list - PatagoniaGifts.com is quite a bit better - visually appealing (but simple) and I understand right away that this is a jewelry site specializing in unique designs for a variety of gift giving occaisions. Although better then the others - the limited focus on jewelry would tend to divert users to other sites with a wider variety of merchandise.
And the list goes on.. overall, I wasn't too impressed with either the merchandise OR the design of any of the sites with strong Google rankings. Hopefully we'll be able to change all that.
We will be launching a new website soon for a Unique Gift store called Patina with 4 Twin Cities locations. Stay tuned and I'll let you know about the official launch of Patinstores.com.
The Artropolis Team
Minneapolis Flash Design Since 1994
PS - Speaking of Flash - Does a Flash-based e-commerce site encourage or discourage you to purchase?
Earlier today, I went to see the CEO of Walmart.com (John Fleming) speak at the University of Minnesota. One of the highest 'growth' areas (taken from his presentation) was in Flowers, Cards and Gifts so I decided to do a little bit of research to find out 'what's out there' when it comes to Unique Gifts. I would expect the top ranked sites to be those with great merchandise with interfaces designed to encourage my business. Let's find out.
The results were not very inspiring. Search for Unique Gifts on Google and the first thing that pops up is a place called BlueChopsticks.com - not a particularly attractive site and at first glance, it would seem that there's nothing unique at all about the site OR the gifts that it offers. If this is the 'state' of one of the largest growth areas in e-commerce - someone's going to step up and make it big...really big.
A bit further on down the list - PatagoniaGifts.com is quite a bit better - visually appealing (but simple) and I understand right away that this is a jewelry site specializing in unique designs for a variety of gift giving occaisions. Although better then the others - the limited focus on jewelry would tend to divert users to other sites with a wider variety of merchandise.
And the list goes on.. overall, I wasn't too impressed with either the merchandise OR the design of any of the sites with strong Google rankings. Hopefully we'll be able to change all that.
We will be launching a new website soon for a Unique Gift store called Patina with 4 Twin Cities locations. Stay tuned and I'll let you know about the official launch of Patinstores.com.
The Artropolis Team
Minneapolis Flash Design Since 1994
PS - Speaking of Flash - Does a Flash-based e-commerce site encourage or discourage you to purchase?
