Redesigned website offers better servicecontinued from page 1 The Michigan Retailers Association has completely
redesigned its primary website (www.retailers.com)
to give members and prospective members easier and faster access to information
and services. The all-new website was launched on July
1. It’s the first complete overhaul since the Association’s
website went online in early 1996. “MRA was one of the first state retail
associations and among the first wave of Michigan associations to establish
an Internet presence,” said MRA Chairman and CEO Larry Meyer. “As
more and more retailers have come online in the past five years, we’ve
seen a tremendous opportunity to give faster and better service to members
through the web.” Completely revamping the website enabled
the Association to streamline navigation, add helpful features, update
the look of the site and make it more user-friendly. The redesigned home page features current
news stories and links to the six major sections of the site: About
MRA, Member Services, News,
Governmental Affairs, Education
& Events and E-commerce.
These main sections are accessible from virtually every page in the site.
Subsections of the main categories are also
listed on the home page for instant access. “One of our goals was to reduce the
number of clicks required to access information within the site,”
said James P. Hallan, president and chief operating officer. “Nearly
all the content in the website can be reached by one or two clicks from
the home page.” Members and prospective members are now able
to fill out or download numerous forms needed for MRA services such as
credit card processing and insurance coverage. Retailers can fill out
a membership application, order Loss Prevention booklets, nominate a Michigan
Retailer of the Year or submit news about their store for the Michigan
Retailer publication. Other new features include archives of the
RETAILERS FUNDamentals workers’ compensation newsletter and
the monthly Ask Michigan Retailers column, expanded informational sections
on legislative advocacy and e-commerce, and contact information for regional
marketing representatives. “Instead of having to call the Association
to request forms or information, members can access details of MRA’s
programs from the website,” said Hallan. “We plan to add even
more forms in the future to make the site as self-service as possible.” The new website was developed by MRA’s
communications staff in conjunction with Gaslight Media in Petoskey. The
redesign process took several months, since an entirely new user interface
designed by MRA’s Patrick Kerwin had to be created and new copy written
for most of the site. “The end product is well worth the effort that went into it,” said Meyer. “The new site promises to make serving our members more efficient than ever before.” |