Rakuten
has announced the launch of Rakuten.co.uk, with a direct focus on empowering
more independent retailers to sell online in the UK. The marketplace will initially
offer products from some of the UK’s most exciting merchants before expanding
to include international merchants in the future. The move comes as
Rakuten seeks to accelerate the global expansion of its internet services
ecosystem.
The
new Rakuten.co.uk marketplace offers shoppers the ability to buy from
independent retailers in the UK and includes a broad range of products across
multiple categories including food and drink, health and beauty, clothing and
pet care, among others. Customers will also be able to access digital services
offered by Rakuten businesses including Kobo and Wuaki through a single account
from December 2014. In the future, customers will be able to buy from Rakuten
marketplaces worldwide.
“What consumers want from retailers is continually
changing, however, the desire for a personal and entertaining experience remains
constant,” commented Kenji Hirose, CEO of Rakuten Europe. “With the launch of
Rakuten.co.uk we are making it easier for shoppers to discover what they want
and empowering merchants to provide it. Over the next 12 months we will pioneer
a new era of borderless retail and entertainment by integrating our e-commerce
offering with our global ecosystem of Internet services, to make shopping more
fun.”
The launch of Rakuten.co.uk, the newest marketplace in the UK, will offer shoppers an unprecedented shopping
experience, with the chance to buy from a variety of independent businesses in
a new and engaging way. For instance, Rakuten’s loyalty scheme, Rakuten
Super Points rewards customers with a minimum of 1 Super Point for every £1
they spend on Rakuten.co.uk.
To
celebrate the launch of the new marketplace, Rakuten is offering customers the
chance to become a ‘Rakuten Millionaire’- For the entire month of November
2014, customers who make purchases on Rakuten.co.uk, will be automatically
entered into a prize draw to win 1 Million Rakuten Super Points, which equates
to a redemption value of £10,000 to spend on the website. In addition until 31st
October -customers spending £25 or £50, will receive £5 or £10 back in Rakuten
Super Points to use on their next purchase.
Mike
Bishop, managing director of Rakuten.co.uk, said: “The launch of Rakuten.co.uk
will empower retailers to truly take advantage of the Internet and everything
that it has to offer, to drive sales and reach new shoppers. With access to our
Merchant Services team and expert e-commerce consultants, who can advise on how
to adapt to the changing shopping habits of consumers and provide training,
merchants can grow their businesses and build a recognisable brand and loyal
customer base through the Rakuten.co.uk marketplace.”
Rakuten’s proprietary E-Commerce Consultants
(ECCs)—a position specifically created with the sole purpose of supporting the
success of Rakuten merchants—offer merchants dedicated support and guidance to
ensure Rakuten merchants have a deep understanding of the Rakuten merchant
platform and its powerful tools and to keep them informed about potential
opportunities to maximize their sales. The Rakuten platform is backed by
rolling monthly contracts, competitive commission rates and low subscription
fees. Businesses that would like to join the marketplace can register their
interest at Rakuten.co.uk.
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