Get linked

As online shopping continues to gain in popularity, more MRA members are selling merchandise online. How can a member store get publicity and a link to its website?

One way is to get listed in MRA’s Mall of Michigan, a collection of specialty shops offering distinctive products online. Listing a business website is free to members, and MRA sends a news release to local newspapers announcing each store’s participation in the Mall.

The E-commerce section of the retailers.com homepage (on the far right) provides links to information about joining the Mall of Michigan and a link to the Mall itself, where shoppers will find links to more than 150 stores. Links in the e-commerce section include:

• What is the Mall of Michigan: provides basic information to both members and shoppers.

• Shop the Mall of Michigan: links to the Mall of Michigan page, where stores are listed in 18 retail categories ranging from Art to Toys. Shoppers select a category and browse a list of stores, following links to the store websites themselves.

• Sell in the Mall of Michigan: outlines the simple process for getting an online store listed in the Mall.

• Create Your Online Store: gives an overview of the steps involved in creating an online store. MRA does not provide web design or hosting services but offers basic guidelines for getting started. This section also briefly discusses whether a retailer’s website should sell merchandise online or simply provide information.

• Accept Credit Cards in Your Online Store: explains MRA’s online credit card processing service, which uses Authorize.net as a payment gateway. It also offers an overview of how online credit card processing works.