Rakuten launches UK e-commerce site
Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten has announced the launch of online marketplace Rakuten.co.uk.
The marketplace will initially offer products from UK merchants before expanding to include international merchants at a later date. In addition, the company said customers will eventually be able to buy products from Rakuten marketplaces worldwide.
As well as being able to buy products across multiple categories including food and drink, health and beauty, clothing and pet care, customers will also be able to access digital services offered by Rakuten businesses including Kobo and Wuaki through a single account from December.
Kenji Hirose, chief executive of Rakuten Europe, said: “What consumers want from retailers is continually changing, however the desire for a personal and entertaining experience remains constant.
Never Miss a Retail Update!“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.”
Mike Bishop, managing director of Rakuten.co.uk, added: “The launch of Rakuten.co.uk will empower retailers to truly take advantage of the internet and everything that is has to offer, to drive sales and reach new shoppers.”
