{Bricks & Mortar and E-Commerce} By KATHY SAECHOU 10/19/07

Businesses w/ stores and site The Home Depot Target Dominos

The Home Depot: Three user friendly features: There are various pictures on the site that illustrate and relate to the store. There are many links to the pages that allow you to click through and browse the Home Depot items in an organized and easy way. (tools, décor, outdoors, etc.). All the links link back to the home page and to each other. Prices should be posted next to the items before the user should click on the “Shop Now” link. Improvements: There should be a question box where viewers can ask questions freely. There should be a friendly greeting on the home page (e.g.. Welcome!) Website v. bricks and mortar: Not every item sold in the store is featured on the site. On the site, there is a specific description next to the item. At the store, the description is on the actual item. Recommendation?: I would rather shop online at Home Depot because it is easier. I don’t have to waste gas and time and it just takes some clicks on the mouse and I have purchased the item (s). In addition, the site is user friendly, organized and specific.

Target : Three user friendly features: Pages are the same. Only a part of the page changes when you click on a link, which allows you to browse easily. There is a search for: box allowing customers to search for a specific item. Sizes and colors of clothing are given. Improvements: There should be more color added. (Only red and grey font is there) Not enough graphics, so it looks plain. There should be a FAQ page. Website v. bricks mortar: Not all of the items at the store are featured on the site. There are more different sizes of clothing given on the site than at the store. Recommendation?: I wouldn’t recommend shopping online, especially if you want to purchase clothing. It’s better to be there in actual person when you’re shopping for clothes.

Dominos: Three user friendly features: There is a page where you can search for Dominos in your area w/ all contact info. given. There is a step by step process to make a order. Ingredients/toppings are given so you can choose what kind of pizza you want. Improvements: Prices of the pizza should be posted before you choose to order, so customer can shop through the different pizzas in their price range. Recommendation?: I wouldn’t recommend shopping online for pizza. It’s better to just call over the phone and get a delivery. It’s just the same thing. It’ll be faster to order over the phone.

Businesses w/ only website EBay Amazon East Bay

EBay: Three user friendly features: There is registration to be a member of EBay. There are different categories/links that allow you to choose from various items, that you’re looking for. EBay stores are offered so you can find things that you like. Improvements: It seems a little unorganized. Doesn’t flow that well. The searches for a specific item isn’t narrowed to the most relevant.

Amazon: Three user friendly features: There is a browse section and a services section that are very helpful. Popular items are posted on the home page in an organized way. At the bottom of the home page, Amazon allows you to shop at a few retail stores such as Target, on their site. Improvements: Improve on the colors and font. Pages aren’t appealing enough.

East Bay: Three user friendly features: Prices are posted next to the items. There are numerous categories to shop from( shoes, apparel) There is a helpful search for: box allowing customers to look for specific items. Improvements: Items are clustered, so it’s hard to focus on one item. Order of items are unorganized. Descriptions of items should be bolded.

Conclusion… I would recommend shopping at businesses with both a store and a website for the following reasons: You can compare the site and the actual store. You can compare the prices allowing you to get the best deal. There are more options open to you; choices aren’t limited.