ST Andrews Timber & Building Supplies has hailed the success of the firm’s first online store, 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. The company revealed that fencing and decking and related landscaping materials have been the most popular products.
There are over 1,000 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 e-commerce 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.”
