AIS Media, Inc., CEO, Thomas Harpointner, appeared on WFTL 850′s Morning Show to discuss several survival strategies for retailers that haven’t yet adopted an online strategy or those businesses that are looking to gain the competitive edge online. His statements included:

“2009 is going to be a challenging year for any size company,” Harpointner said, and those companies that are going to survive will utilize the internet to their advantage–it will be the key to their survival.

Brick and mortar stores will be most affected in this economy because of: the expense of retail space; cost of employees; and the geographical limitations that local businesses have.

Many under-performing stores are being shut down–over 5,800 locations in 2008 alone–and businesses looking to survive are focusing more of their attention to gaining presence online.

AIS Media’s Harpointner said, “Many shoppers still very much enjoy the personal experience, the physical contact, walking into the store,” but as consumers become more price conscious and computer savvy, retailers must retain customer loyalty with a professional and effective website and competitive pricing.

“The companies that are most successful are using multiple channels to drive traffic to the store,” such as radio, television, email, and internet marketing, Harpointner concluded.

To hear the full segment visit: Survival Strategies for Retailers without an Online Strategy