Global eCommerce Leader Shopatron Celebrates Ten Years in Business

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopatron, a leader and innovator in the eCommerce industry, is celebrating ten years in business on October 10, 2011. Ten years ago, Shopatron founder Ed Stevens came up with a novel idea that would revolutionize the eCommerce industry and eventually become the preferred eCommerce solution for brands worldwide. The idea, based on his experience growing up in retail and owning a hobby brand, was simple—branded manufacturers can take advantage of the online sales channel and boost their retail distribution at the same time by sharing online sales with their trusted retail partners.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101109/SHOPATRONLOGO)

"I knew from my years of experience in retail that branded manufacturers needed an eCommerce solution that supported their traditional business model," says Stevens. "Brands generally get 95% or more of their sales from their retail distribution, and they were afraid to dive into eCommerce because they didn't want to upset their retail partners by competing with them. My idea solved that problem."

Ed launched FirePoppy, Inc. in 2001. "Most people told me it was impossible. They said it wasn't going to work," Stevens said. "But I'm one of those people who is motivated by the naysayers, so we built the workflow, programmed it and launched our first store in the fall of 2001."

He then took the concept from booth to booth at industry tradeshows nationwide until the idea took hold. Over the last ten years, the company has grown from a specialty solution in the toy and hobby industry to a global solution that works with over 1,000 brands and 18,000 retailers in more than 35 industries. As the #1 eCommerce solution in the world for brands, it is the only solution that promotes more sales both online and in stores.

In 2006 the company name was changed to Shopatron. And in 2007, the profitable company secured $6 million in funding which allowed it to add in-store pickup capabilities to its already thriving platform.

In 2008, after celebrating its 500th client launch, Shopatron expanded operations into Europe. "Europe has proven to be a good move," Steven explains, "eCommerce in Europe is taking off, and our solution not only helps regional brands, but also enables international brands to use cross selling and promotion opportunities across both continents."

Shopatron offers a complete package of eCommerce services, platforms and solutions to suit manufacturers of all sizes. It's no wonder the retail industry has come to embrace the company and its vision. Brands using Shopatron see their overall sales increase 5% on average after launch, with an average 38% increase in their online sales.

The company will celebrate its anniversary with a host of promotions and events, including encouraging "two high-fives" throughout its offices and those of its partners. "The high-five is the universal signal punctuating a job well done or a coveted goal accomplished," adds Stevens. "Why not whoop it up a bit? We've worked hard and it shows."

For more information about Shopatron, visit ecommerce.shopatron.com or call 866-625-5050.

About Shopatron

Founded in 2001, Shopatron is the only eCommerce solution in the world that can drive more online sales while, at the same time, increasing a company's sales through the retail channel. The solution eliminates channel conflict, builds retailer relationships, grows distribution and increases overall sales for the brand.

Shopatron clients include top brands such as Suzuki, Polaroid, Mizuno, Ducati, JL Audio, American Tire Distributors and Sport Chalet. The company is headquartered in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

SOURCE Shopatron

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