Meijer expects online sales to double this holiday season

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Meijer reported that it expects its online sales to double this holiday season beginning with next week's "Cyber Monday."

The company's e-commerce division predicts that a combination of an expanded selection of items, improved site navigation, attractive "mouse-buster" deals, and free shipping on thousands of items will help it shatter last year's sales record.  The site, www.meijer.com, is expected to handle more than 30% of its annual transactions between "Cyber Monday" and Christmas.

"We've implemented a number of steps that translate directly into more deals for customers, including eliminating shipping costs for thousands of items, introducing fun promotions, and overhauling the design of the site to make it easier to find products and get answers to any questions you might have," said Dawn Bronkema, director e-commerce marketing at Meijer.  "Given the tough economy we're in, it's a bold prediction to say you'll double sales, but it's one that we feel confident in making."

To help achieve its goal, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer announced that it would begin offering free shipping and free returns on any order priced at $50 or more, effective immediately.  In addition, it has lowered its shipping rates to as little as $2.95 for orders weighing less than one pound.