Same-seller gross sales value for national brand-name retailers selling via Mercent Retail online channel management platform rises 38% year-over-year in Q3, versus 12% yearly growth in Q3 2012

Cindy Allen

SEATTLE , October 18, 2013 (press release) – Mercent™, a leading technology company that enables retailers to profitably reach and convert more shoppers online, announced today 3Q2013 results for the Mercent eCommerce Performance Index (MEPI) -- an industry report that measures year-over-year growth of same-seller gross sales value (GSV) of national brand name retailers selling across eCommerce sales channels.

For the third quarter FY2013, same-seller GSV for retailers selling through the Mercent Retail™ online channel management platform was up 38% relative to 12% in 3Q2012. Same-seller GSV for Mercent clients participating in Amazon's "Selling on Amazon" third-party marketplace program decelerated to 30% compared to 40% in 3Q2012; and same-seller sales via Google Shopping grew in the third quarter to 97% compared to 5% in 3Q2012.

According to Mercent Chairman and CEO Eric Best, "The Mercent eCommerce Performance Index reflects healthy year-over-year growth in same-seller GSV sales, and in particular growth in the Google Shopping program which marked its one-year anniversary in September. Based on Mercent's data and market analysis, overall 3Q2013 performance figures reflect key market factors including (1) challenging FY2013 baseline comparables on Amazon, but still outpacing eCommerce overall; (2) maturing and evolving channel performance dynamics on Google Shopping; (3) decelerating growth in comparison shopping engines; and (4) consumer conservatism and price sensitivity at large."

Across its portfolio of more than 250 major retailers operating 550 unique brands sourcing and processing a forecasted $2.1B in FY2013 GSV through the Mercent Retail™ SAAS platform, Mercent observed other notable trends and drivers in 3Q2013 -- reflecting trailing eCommerce performance in the third quarter and setting the stage for the remainder of FY2013:

The economy continues a slow recovery path and consumer sentiment remains cautious; especially in light of recent uncertainties surrounding the potential U.S. government shutdown and budget impasse.

Amazon's third party seller marketplace remains a solid performer. However, year-over-year growth from July 2013 through September 2013 reflected a deceleration in Amazon's 3P seller business. Despite this, Amazon's third party seller marketplace continues to outperform the eCommerce market in both volume and growth.

Google continues its focus on aggressive channel monetization through stricter seller policies and growth from Google's paid retail ad programs including Google Product Listing Ads and Product Extensions to AdWords. These programs, particularly Product Listing Ads (PLA) continue to demonstrate significant, almost triple digit growth.

Shopping engines and CSEs continue to face headwinds, trailing the industry overall and posting negative growth rates year-over-year in 3Q2013.

Mercent observes that retailer investment in eCommerce growth continues to be focused on both tactical programs like behaviorally targeted display advertising and price optimization (catering to price conscientious consumers) and emerging strategic investments in hyper-growth channels that include social networks, and local and mobile shopping programs. Based on analysis of current and historical MEPI data, we anticipate the 2013 holiday selling season to deliver solid double-digit figures trending in line with holiday 2012.

To learn more about Mercent's full product portfolio or to access any of the Executive Thought-Leadership Series Video Presentations contact Mercent Sales at 206-832-3900 or hello@mercent.com. Information regarding Mercent Retail shopping feed management technology, Mercent Performance marketing services, and the complete list of online marketing channels in the Mercent Shopping Network is also available at www.mercent.com

About Mercent
Through its award-winning Mercent Retail™ technology Mercent helps large brand name retailers, including 1-800-Flowers, the Home Shopping Network, GUESS?, L'Occitane USA and others, reach and convert online shoppers. Supported purchasing destinations include Amazon.com, Google, eBay, Bing, product ads, comparison shopping engines (CSEs), affiliate networks, social shopping sites and paid search and display advertising campaigns. The company was founded by Amazon.com veterans, is venture funded, and based in Seattle, WA. For more information, visit www.mercent.com. The company operates in the retail ecommerce market sector alongside companies like Google and Channel Advisor.

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