Tag: mena

  • Ted Baker appoints new Indonesian distributor

    Ted Baker appoints new Indonesian distributor

    The MENA deal is actually an extension to the current retail agreement Ted Baker has with Al-Futtaim Group but adds in new e-commerce and wholesale rights for the region. The all-new 10-year Indonesia dealx has been signed with PT Mitra Adiperkasa (MAP) for the retail license.

    The fellow-10-year Al-Futtaim agreement now means MENA will be Ted Baker’s first full omnichannel territory operated by a license partner. The complete integrated package across retail, digital and wholesale channels “is a key pillar of the group’s three-year transformation plan… which is designed to deliver a more profitable, more cash generative and higher return on capital employed business”, Ted Baker said.

    Al-Futtaim currently operates 24 Ted Baker stores and concessions across Bahrain, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. The addition of e-commerce and wholesale rights will aim to further strengthen the customer experience of the brand in the region, they said. Specific benefits to customers will include alignment of pricing and promotions across channels, and an improved e-commerce proposition with shorter delivery times, and ship-from-store and click-and-collect services.

    Meanwhile, under the terms of its retail and selective digital rights agreement, MAP has “committed to an ambitious store and concession opening plan and will sell via selective online platforms in Indonesia”. This expanded distribution will build brand awareness in the Asian region alongside the five other license partners and the group’s China JV, Ted Baker noted.

    Following these new license agreements, Ted Baker will have 17 retail license partners and 20 product license partners across the globe.

    Helen Costello, Group Commercial and Business Development Director at Ted Baker, said: “Having worked with the Al-Futtaim team for many years, we know they have an excellent understanding of Ted Baker and our customers. Al-Futtaim’s experience also means that they are particularly well-placed to fully realize the significant growth potential from the accelerating consumer shift to online channels in the region”.

    She added: “MAP is the leading retail expert in Indonesia, and they have the right team and experience in place to build on the strong foundations that are already in place. It is a testament to the strength of our brand that we continue to partner with the leading experts in their relevant categories across the world”.

  • DHL MENA launches new e-com campaign for merchants

    DHL MENA launches new e-com campaign for merchants

    DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, is set to launch its global campaign ‘Where Everything Clicks’ in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, to guide online merchants to navigate and access the booming and lucrative global e-commerce marketplace. DHL Express aims for the campaign to reach companies ranging from start-ups to large enterprises, advising merchants on how to optimize their websites for international sales and to create a competitive advantage via shipping options offered. DHL helps sellers traverse an increasingly global landscape, in which buyers progressively make purchases from international websites.

    The campaign reveals purchasing habits of online shoppers, including always important delivery preferences, and shows merchants how to use this information to increase sales.

    ‘Where Everything Clicks’ includes a rich database of how-to videos, white papers, customer insights, and trend videos that inform merchants and business about evolving consumer behaviour.

    A 2017 study by KPMG reports that consumers across Middle East and Africa were the most likely to import consumer products bought online, almost 50 percent of purchases, showcasing  the rise in cross-border shopping that is driving international retail trade.

    The survey also revealed ‘Enhanced Delivery Options’ as one of the key company attributes that contribute to deciding where shoppers choose to buy online.

    The study findings illustrate that companies must continually innovate to improve and shorten delivery times, to satisfy increasingly demanding consumer expectations.

    “The MENA region is witnessing rapid growth and change in e-commerce trends. Cross border e-commerce presents strong growth opportunities that is yet to be tapped into by many businesses in the region,” said Nour Suliman, CEO MENA, DHL Express. “With the proliferation of online trade, a product in one corner of the world today is now easily accessible to customers at the opposite end in just a few clicks. This has allowed online merchants to access markets and customers from around the globe.”

    Faysal Elhajjami, DHL Express MD, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said: “We recognise that our customers’ success is closely tied to their buyers’ satisfaction with the delivery experience and the delivery options offered. With ‘Where Everything Clicks’ campaign we want to showcase to business across KSA  how an international express shipping option can increase e-commerce value helping merchants boost revenue and tap into new markets.”

    Geoff Walsh, UAE Country Manager, DHL Express said DHL would be particularly focusing on SMEs and start-ups. “We aim to support local ecommerce start-ups by providing them with tailor made solutions that will allow them to easily address potential global consumers, therefore improving their e-commerce proposition within the current market,” he said. “The ‘Where Everything Clicks’ campaign highlights how an international express shipping option can increase e-commerce value helping merchants boost revenue and tap into new markets.”

    DHL has developed services that enhance customer experience and support web merchants as they access new markets. Using advanced market intelligence tools, DHL can quickly identify shopping sites that receive traffic from international locations, identifying potential sales outside of the seller’s core market. DHL can compare website engagement metrics and suggest service enhancement via addition of a cross-border express delivery option.

    With DHL’s On Demand Delivery, buyers are notified proactively via email or SMS about a shipment’s progress. Receivers can schedule delivery for another day, arrange delivery to a nearby DHL Service Point or an alternate address, and even request that a shipment is held during vacation. DHL Express offers On Demand Delivery in over 100 countries, with about 50 more coming this year.

  • Levi Strauss merges with MENA markets

    Levi Strauss merges with MENA markets

    US denim giant Levi Strauss has merged its South Asia market business with the Middle East and North Africa.

    And the company has appointed its India head Sanjeev Mohanty to spearhead the consolidated Levi Strauss Asia-MENA business.

    The company cites common consumer preferences and synergies across the three regions as the reason for the restructure.

    Mohanty joined Levi’s India little more than 12 months ago after about nine months at troubled fashion e-tailer Jabong, and previously ran Benetton India.

    The Middle East, North Africa  and South Asia account for around US$200 million in wholesale turnover for Levi’s. Based in Bengaluru, Levi’s India reported revenue of more than Rs 842 crore (US$130 million) at the end of March, with a net profit of almost Rs 58 crore.