Debenhams launches German website
Debenhams has launched its first foreign language website in Germany as it takes a further step towards one of its key growth pillars to expand the brand internationally.
The new German site sells the department store’s fashion ranges for men, women and children, including the designers at Debenhams collections, as well as a range of homewares. The website is entirely in the German language and transacts in Euros.
Simon Forster, online director at Debenhams, said: “As Britain takes the lead role on the world stage with its summer of celebration and sport, this is the ideal time to bring the best of British to Germany. With the second largest e-commerce market in Europe after the UK, Germany has consistently been one of our top performing countries online and now German shoppers will benefit from their own bespoke website.”
The UK government has welcomed the move, and Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green said: “The launch of Debenhams.de shows the power of British brands and their popularity with consumers the world over. It will enable German shoppers easier access to unique British design-led products boosting our exports with Europe’s largest economy.
Never Miss a Retail Update!“The UK’s online retail market, the largest in Europe, is set to grow 13% in 2012 to £77 billion. British expertise in e-commerce is making a significant contribution to our export receipts and helping to rebalance our economy.”
To further bolster its overseas trade, Debenhams has also announced the extension of its international delivery service to 41 countries which include the USA, Argentina, Costa Rica, Israel, Kenya, Singapore and Venezuela. International online purchases will be delivered to shoppers’ homes within five to fourteen working days with delivery fees starting from £7. Debenhams said it plans to extend international delivery further this summer, taking the total number of countries to 67.
Forster added: “We already have 69 stores in 25 countries outside the UK. Debenhams.de and our expanded international delivery service are all part of our commitment to increase our global brand by offering top quality, affordable fashion the world over.”
