A Letter from the CEO

Dear Friend,

As we look forward into 2008 it is clear that we will see increased integration of the online and physical store operations. 2007 was a soft year for retail and online sales growth also moderated. However, the Internet’s influence on in-store shopping, as measured by the ShopLocal Index, increased year-over-year by 36%.

In the holiday season this was even more pronounced and the Index grew by 52% as advertisers showcased store offers more prominently both on their own sites and across the Internet (typically portals). Advertisers and consumers have valued the Internet as a transactional tool and they became increasingly aware of the much larger power of the Internet as a marketing tool for a Trillion Dollar MarketPlace.

The Index reflects the growing use of the Internet by consumers and advertisers to connect at the store. For advertisers it is a timely, far-reaching and cost-effective way to present offers to consumers who appreciate the convenience of a more informed shopping trip. While this is more apparent during a shopping season in a soft economy, it is a formula that works for both consumers and advertisers in all seasons and should see continued strong growth through 2008.

Our experience in the last 12 months suggests that advertisers will aggressively move store marketing dollars online in 2008 both on their own sites and across the Internet. By doing so they will also begin to address the substantial online imbalance between media time and media spend. We are committed to be a resource for you to keep you aware of trends and also offer innovative solutions to help you harness the growing power of the Web to drive online and in-store sales.

Here's to a successful 2008!

Vikram Sharma
Chief Executive Officer

ShopLocal has started a revolution in multi-channel marketing. See what others are talking about as the multi-channel marketing and shopping phenomenon continues to accelerate.

Read about the ShopLocal Index, our point of view on seasonal shopping and shopping tips from ShopLocal.com’s Eva the Shopping Diva.Read all about it!

Industry leaders look to ShopLocal for solutions that drive online and in-store sales. Some of our newest clients include:

Click here to see a more complete list of ShopLocal’s clients.

Research is telling you something. ShopLocal stays on top of all the latest industry trends to help advertisers connect with consumers – online and in the store.