RS Components Strengthens eCommerce Offerings with Launch of Alibaba and Taobao Storefront
Further eCommerce initiatives include a new payment gateway and revamped website for an enhanced customer experience online
SHANGHAI, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --
RS Components( http://www.rs-components.com ) (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc( http://www.electrocomponents.com ) (LSE:ECM), the world's leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, is poised to leverage the growing eCommerce market in China with the launch of storefronts in Alibaba and Taobao.
(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2011/05/04/20110504368830.jpg )
RS Components will have 'virtual' storefronts on the leading eCommerce platforms, tapping into their already well-established customer base in the China B2B and B2C markets. The available products are selected based on RS Components China's top selling list and will be continuously improved via this new channel to meet local design and manufacturing demands.
According to the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, eCommerce transaction volume is expected to reach RMB18 trillion by 2015. "RS Components recognises that eCommerce will be the preferred mode of transactions in the future, and we are positioning ourselves to be at the forefront of providing a great online experience for our customers," said Marcelo Wesseler, Head of eCommerce, Asia Pacific at RS Components.
"RS Components received more than 3,000 online orders per day across Asia Pacific in our last financial year. We expect this to increase, particularly in China, which has the highest number of internet users globally," Mr Wesseler added.
eCommerce revenue for Electrocomponents grew by 26% for the six months ended 30 September 2011 and represented around 54% of its total sales. RS Components is on track to have 70% of its global business via eCommerce channels as China continues to power ahead in eCommerce growth.
The Alibaba - Taobao storefronts are part of a series of eCommerce initiatives that RS Components has embarked on, which include a new payment gateway solution from PayEase for the company's China eCommerce site www.rsprc.com. This new payment gateway not only supports credit cards from local banks but also international credit cards - Visa, MasterCard and Amex - to cater for both local and foreign customer needs. In addition, it has the ability to handle debit cards from local banks, offering customers more payment flexibility. More importantly, this implementation will provide additional security for customers, with industry standard PCI certification, and ensure seamless transactions online.
The company also recently launched its revamped website, featuring a new intelligent product search feature and superior browsing capability to give customers faster and easier access to over 550,000 products.
Note 1: The Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China, 19 October 2011.
About RS Components
RS Components and Allied Electronics are the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc, the world's leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products. Through operations in 32 countries and 17 warehouses, the Group serves 1.6 million customers worldwide and distributes 550,000 products ranging from semiconductors and optoelectronics to power tools and protective clothing. The product and service portfolio supports the entire product lifecycle from R&D through pre-production to maintenance and repair. The Group ships more than 46,000 parcels on the same day the orders are received.
Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year to 31 March 2011 had revenues of GBP1.18bn.
For more information, please visit the website at www.rs-components.com.
About Alibaba
Alibaba.com (HKSE: 1688) (1688.HK) is the global leader in eCommerce for small businesses and the flagship company of Alibaba Group. For more information, visit www.alibaba.com
About Taobao
Launched in 2003, Taobao (www.taobao.com) is the largest online retail website in China, offering both C2C and B2C shopping platforms as well as a variety of features and services aimed at creating a holistic shopping experience. For more information, visit www.taobao.com
Further information is available via these links:
RS Components on Linkedin
http://www.linkedin.com/company/rs-components
Electrocomponents plc
www.electrocomponents.com
RS Components
www.rs-components.com
Contacts:
RS Components
Tan Soo Chun
PR Manager -- Asia Pacific
Tel: +65-6391-5745
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE: RS Components
