Indianapolis, IN - November 21, 2006
Gilchrist & Soames, a leading provider of toiletries to luxury hotels, recently selected two Indianapolis firms for the development and deployment of its new website. Launched on November 6, 2006, the new website will make it easier for consumers to purchase their favorite Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, and provides a wealth of information to upscale hoteliers looking to upgrade their bathroom amenities solutions.
The new Gilchrist & Soames website represents a major upgrade to the company's online presence. Featuring easy-to-use navigation, enhanced merchandising, the addition of cross-selling and up-selling, and an optimized shopping mechanism, the new website allows hotel guests to shop for and compare the full range of Gilchrist & Soames products available for the home. Hoteliers seeking information will find everything they need to evaluate the company's capabilities, view product options and opportunities, and access online versions of product catalogues.
"Our new website is really the first step in a phased development plan to improve client service and communication using the web," said Kathie De Voe, President of Gilchrist & Soames. "We're focusing increased attention on making the whole buying experience easier and more rewarding for all of our customers. The initial feedback, from both consumers and hoteliers, has been very positive."
In addition to improved shopping and more information for hoteliers, the website was built on a framework to allow for multiple languages and currencies. "We expect to be selling products in at least four different languages by the end of next year," said De Voe. "The new website gives us a platform to target international sales with an increase in local sensitivity."
The new website was created through a joint venture with Pavin'TheWay Software, LLC and Rare Bird, Inc., both Indianapolis-based firms. Pavin'TheWay provided the back-end development and Rare Bird created the overall site design. "The whole project came together without a hitch and the result is a beautiful site that is focused on improving the customer experience and increasing sales. We're thrilled to be a part of it," said Jim Cota, President of Rare Bird, Inc. "I think choosing to do the development locally says a lot about [President] Kathie De Voe and Gilchrist & Soames' commitment to the community, and I think it speaks volumes about the level of expertise available here."
Pavin'TheWay Software, LLC is a web-based business transaction system that integrates a company's supply and sales chain management and general ledger transactions into one centralized application. Their web-based intranet solution opens the door to more productive e-commerce and extranet applications with real-time product, order, and customer management capabilities.
Rare Bird, Inc. is a marketing communications firm specializing in Internet marketing and web development serving clients across the country.
Gilchrist & Soames is a leading provider of cosmetic-grade toiletry collections for world-class hotels, exclusive resorts, and distinguished spas, inns, and bed & breakfasts. Specializing in servicing the luxury market, Gilchrist & Soames' products can be found in discerning properties throughout the world. Gilchrist & Soames is based in Indianapolis, Indiana and is privately owned by E&A Industries.