Bolsover Networks' big idea for small retailers

Nov 5 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

SOFTWARE developer Bolsover Networks aims to give independent retailers a way to break into online trading with a new retail website.

Discovery Channel software designer Nick Reavill and his business partner David Shapero have created Super Simple Shop to provide a channel for independent retailers and craft and hobbyist retailers to increase their sales.

Nick Reavill, founder and director of the Newcastle firm, said: “The online retail market provides a huge opportunity for increasing current sales and generating new customers, but there are plenty of people out there who, for whatever reason, have not ventured into this arena or maximised opportunities available.

“By looking particularly at specialist and niche retailers, we believe we have developed a product which will appeal, as it’s not only affordable but is very easy to use and effective in allowing them to reach out to a much wider customer audience.”

The idea followed a commission from an independent jewellery designer and retailer to create a website after they realised that many small firms were shy of trading online.

Reavill added: “Our research has shown that there is a gap in the market among craft and hob- byist retailers that have seen their businesses grow through reputation or word of mouth but would now like to widen their market.

“Super Simple Shop allows them to tap into the online market without the need to build an expensive website. We have also made sure that first-time internet users and those who may have looked at online retailing before but have been put off by the barriers, are provided with step-by-step instructions and assistance to make sure their website works effectively for them.”