The big get bigger

Office supplies giant Staples Inc., the No. 2 e-retailer in North America by web sales, continues to invest in e-commerce. The retailer upgraded the Staples.com platform to IBM Websphere Commerce 7 and plans to add products to the 45,000 SKUs already on offer, including more custom print products. Staples.com leverages its massive audience to make product pages more helpful. A customer reviews tab reveals each product’s pros, cons and best uses. Users can sort reviews chronologically or by helpfulness while viewing each commenter’s profile Ratings and reviews are featured in e-mail and on the redesigned m-commerce site.  “There’s tremendous value in engaging our customers,” says Brian Tilzer, vice president of e-commerce and business development. Customer reviews and ratings are a big part of that.”