St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies’ first online store has proved a big hit with customers, with £40,000 worth of goods having been sold since launch.
The digital upgrade across the group was completed in May, with the Edinburgh-based firm becoming a ‘one-stop-shop’ for both the trade and public.
One of Scotland’s largest independent builders’ merchants, St Andrews now offers everything from gloves and nails to plasterboard and insulation online – fencing and decking and related landscaping materials have been the most popular.
There are over 1000 products available for collection while deliveries can be made throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians, Fife, Stirlingshire and Lanarkshire.
Operations director Kerrie Ferguson said: “We had to modernise our operations and move with the times given that so many transactions are now done online.
“It was the sensible thing for us to do across the group.
“There has been a noticeable downturn in cross-the counter purchases, with fewer DIYers actually coming into buy and I think that’s a sign of people having less disposable income.
“That being said, the convenience of the ecommerce shop is a big attraction for customers and it’s been pleasing to see it so well received. The public are very price conscious and we have set our prices accordingly.
“Establishing a new ecommerce site, particularly our first one, was always going to be a slow burn but it’s been pleasing to see the uplift so far. The site is very user friendly, easily navigated and the customers have been giving us some very positive feedback.”
She added: “We are where we wanted to be at this stage after launch and it gives us confidence to look at plans to grow the service beyond where it is at moment.”
