Google set to support local High Streets with new initiative…
A move to increase the number of people spending at High Streets across the country has been given a boost by internet giant Google, according to recent reports.
Google has partnered with British start-up business NearSt to support consumers with identifying what is available at their local stores.
The function will provide information on the distance, availability and price of products in Google Search results.
NearSt states their technology enables local shops to list live in-store inventory in numerous innovative ways.
Their website works by browsers seeing hundreds of shops in one area, including instant collection and 1-hour delivery.
What Google say…
Nathalie Walton, global head of local shopping at Google, says the companies working relationship with NearSt will allow retailers to present their products online without being affected by competitors.
She said: ‘It gives small retailers the ability to compete effectively in the online world, without needing any of the technical and financial firepower of their online competitors.’
What NearSt say…
NearSt was founded three years ago by Nick Brackenbury and Max Kreijn.
Mr Kreijn pitched his idea to his now-business partner after discovering it was easier to have a light bulb shipped to his house, compared to purchasing one at a nearby retailer.
Nick Brackenbury told a national news organisation: ‘It seemed crazy that it was easier to get a light bulb shipped from a warehouse than from a shop 100 metres from his {Max Kreijn’s] house.
‘We all live our lives through our smartphones but they are blind to what is on the shelves of shops we are walking past. If that is made clear to people, then I am very optimistic about the future of the High Street.’
We’re here to help…
Syn-Star: Complete I.T. Solutions works with businesses in Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey, to improve and manage their I.T. so they can grow their business. For more information on our services, contact us here.
By Samuel Poole