Spring 2009

Dobbies Garden Centres has chosen Snow Valley to deliver its next-generation web platform. The site will be based on its MUSE2 platform, with an extensive feature-set that will aim to engage Dobbies customers and convert browsers to buyers.

The new site (which was not yet live when we closed for press) will be fully integrated with Dobbies' line-of-business systems, which include Microsoft Dynamics NAV and BT Expedite's Mercatus. It will add new features intended to convert browsers to buyers, including blogging, forums and the use of social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace.

According to Joel Rendle, head of e-commerce at Dobbies.com: 'As the credit crunch continues to have an impact, it's important that we work even harder to anticipate our customers' needs and invest in leading technologies to continuously improve the online shopping experience. We've got our sights set on becoming the UK's leading online gardening retailer.'

Dobbies uses a range of carriers, which are selected according to the type of product being despatched. They include Royal Mail for seeds and gift certificates, and Interlink, TNT, DHL, and Parcelforce Worldwide for the majority of internet orders.

 

Dobbies was acquired by Tesco last year, but retains its own identity and operating structure.