Case study: Seachest Nautical bookshop

• The Sea Chest Nautical Bookshop website has a smart, yet appropriately nautical feel with “lifebelt” buttons being used for navigation around the site. The use of this motif makes the identification of links obvious and aids quick navigation around the site which is always an important consideration.
• This website is primarily to provide online retail capability for an existing well-established specialist shop (est. 1989). The online catalogue lists an impressive selection of charts, books on all things nautical and additional seafaring goods (such as electronic charts, software etc.). Navigating such a vast selection of stock could be problematic but a great deal of thought has gone into avoiding the common “navigational pitfalls” which can blight the online retail experience.
• Sea Chest initially divides the catalogue into eight distinct sub-sections which are selected at the click of the mouse. The catalogue is then sub-divided again, steering the customer precisely to a final list of products closest to their needs from which they can make a selection. Complete details, and images, of each book or product can be brought up without having to put it in the shopping cart allowing the purchaser to ensure that they have located what they are looking for.
• Although this is very much an online retail experience, visitors to the website are made aware that this is the online interface with a physical shop, staffed by helpful and knowledgeable assistants. Contact details are readily available and the site makes it quite clear that help is just a phone call (or Email) away if needed. Swift service is assured with the majority of orders being despatched on the same day.
• Sea Chest is an excellent example of a specialist business. The bookshop stocks a comprehensive array of admiralty sea charts, Imray charts and sea maps. In addition Sea Chest sells a selection of navigation plotting instruments including gps. Sea Chest’s staff are themselves experienced sailors and so able to offer sound advice on the purchase of equipment, software and charts.
• To access the seachest website click on the link in the title of this post.