I've got another success story to share today.  Internet Retailer is reporting on substantial conversion gains and sales figures posted for 2006 by Shoebuy.com.  Fueled by a site redesign, the addition of new merchandise, and more niche sales, Shoebuy.com increased its conversion rate by 20% for 2006.  And although the company wouldn't share exact figures with Internet Retailer, they said their share of holiday sales were "well above" the average 25-27% posted by most in the industry.

The side redesign focused on making the layout cleaner.  The cleaner layout no doubt helped customers find what they were looking for quicker.  In fact, a clean, simple layout can help customers find more than what they're looking for.  By keeping clutter and mess to a minimum, your product can be the feature of the website.  And while presentation isn't always everything, it does certainly help.

The company has also increased the number of products that is sells.  Shoebuy.com boasts more than 300 brands, 400,000 products, and $2 billion in inventory.  Combined with an expansion in niche markets, like eyeware and hats, Shoebuy was successful enough to have further expansion plans for 2007 (the company declined to give specifics at this time).