Woolworths sees USG sales boost

Woolworths has experienced a boost in online sales as a result of a new user-generated content (USG) tool.

The software, created by Avail Intelligence, uses the behaviour of previous customers to recommend gift ideas to browsers.

Mark Batty, Woolworths' online marketing manager, said it chose to implement the software as consumers were calling for relevant recommendations.

He said understanding the needs of their consumers is "critical" to the chain's online strategy and that customers have already offered positive feedback on the suggestions that are being generated.

Avail Intelligence recently announced that wine retailer ChateauOnline has also chosen to implement the firm's software to guide customers to popular searches and purchases using algorithms based on consumer behaviour.

Dr Rolf Elmer, chief executive officer with the firm, said: "The use of user-generated content on e-commerce sites will be a critical element in future communication with customers, as well as a key driver of increased revenues from each individual user."