[Sydney, AUSTRALIA] Australian online retailer dstore has launched a Web site and back-end support operation in Singapore in a move to welcome the Asian market to the benefits of online shopping.
Dstore said the site – www.dstore.com.sg – the first Australian online shopping site to move into Asia, will leverage and transfer its technology, online marketing and retail distribution experience from Melbourne, to ensure the same levels of customer service and quality products are replicated in Asia.
Initial product categories open to Singapore users include sports, music, golf, toys and pets. By the end of next year, dstore plans to add additional categories, such as videos, DVDs, entertainment games, books, gadgets, gifts, branded apparel, electricals, homewares and luggage.
The online retailer said there will also be a direct link with dstore Australia to satisfy consumer demand for items not found in the domestic retail or e-tail market.
Dstore Asia will offer online shoppers a comprehensive list of payment modes including credit cards, cash-on-delivery or payment at any Singapore Post (SingPost) branch or even via SingPost’s Self-service Automated Machine (SAM) network.
SingPost branches will also act as refund centres for dstore purchases that need to be returned, while a customer call center has been established to manage all customer needs and queries.
“Dstore is the new face of online retail in Asia,” said dstore’s chief executive officer David Gold. “We want to show Singaporeans and the rest of Asia that online shopping is easy, convenient, secure and above all, customer friendly.”
Gold said Singapore’s infrastructure, high penetration of computer usage, availability of skilled resources and the support of the Singapore government towards e-commerce would enhance the success rate of the Web site.
Presently, dstore Asia has partnerships with more than 30 vendors, including distributors and wholesalers such as Warner Music Singapore, Sony Music Singapore, Ossia, Fila and Eukanuba.
The company said continuing efforts in increasing product categories and aggressive sourcing will see this list grow to more than 50 vendors by the end of this year.
