USC sees astronomical increase in online sales

Young branded fashion multi-channel retailer, USC, has reported a huge turn around for its underperforming affiliate channel in 2009. The fashion vendor has seen an incredible 851% Q4 year on year increase in sales generated through its affiliate channel.

The company achieved this outstanding improvement by handing the management of its affiliate activity to 7thingsmedia in June 2009. The Farringdon based affiliate marketing agency implemented a full communications programme for the brand support by comprehensive account management. From an affiliate blog and weekly offers via RSS, to full trade PR and one to one meets with top affiliates; 7thingsmedia was able to connect the brand with a lucrative target audience.

Working closely with the brand, 7thingsmedia was able to maximize every opportunity for USC. Unlike traditional ‘one-to-many’ approaches, 7thingsmedia applied a holistic strategy. Taping in to the brands trading calendar, every USC activity was partnered by individual and often bespoke affiliate marketing plan. It was by drilling down into each different affiliate type that led to the dramatic turnaround in performance.
Chris Bishop, Founder & Managing Director of 7thingsmedia, explained, "many advertisers make the mistake of assuming that just having an affiliate programme will result in improvement in sales; this is not the case. We are exceptionally proud of our work with USC as it highlights that affiliate marketing must be intelligent marketing. We have been able to generate an 800% plus increase in sales by investing considerable resource into granular affiliate planning, recruitment and optimisation relevant to the brands activity. It is by matching the brand with the most pertinent affiliates that we have been able to deliver this success with a 10:1 return on investment, in the vital Q4 trading period".

Lyndsay McGonigle, Head of eCommerce at USC said, ‘the management of the affiliate activities and sales achieved by 7thingsmedia has been astonishing. The improvement of this channel has highlighted the real potential this department has for our business. We are now fully aware of just how important our affiliates are and are excitedly looking forward to seeing how far this, already, highly profitable sales channel can grow even further in 2010.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Armed with passion, creativity and knowledge London based digital marketing agency, 7thingsmedia delivers tactical online marketing campaigns, with a core focus on outsourced affiliate marketing management and full service paid search.

Client List: Acne Jeans UK, C.P. Company, Crombie, GardenBargains.com, Guthy Renker (UK), High and Mighty, Koodos.com, Leekes, Shoe-shop.com, Space NK Apothecary, Stone Island, UNICEF Shop, USC , Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

7thingsmedia – www.7thingsmedia.com

For interviews with Chris Bishop or further information and comment please contact Leo Kellgren on 07545982319 or leo.kellgren@7thingsmedia.com