I-shop Agency.com will handle Visa International’s Web design, online
branding and back-end work through a deal the companies announced Wednesday.
Agency.com will work with Visa to develop international Web sites with
content tailored to users’ languages and regions. The companies said the
work aims to bring a Visa-branded interactive experience that international
customers can relate to “on a cultural level.”
“We look forward to developing long-term, innovative solutions together, to
take our e-business initiatives around the globe,” said Mindy Kirkpatrick,
who is vice president, corporate Internet for Visa International. “With the
advent of u-commerce, or universal commerce, our positioning on the Internet
is even more important than ever.”
“Agency.com has both the technical expertise and innovative heritage in
working across multiple digital channels, to help Visa develop, execute and
fulfill the promise of the interactive future,” said Agency.com chairman and
chief executive officer Chan Suh.
Although financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the deal is a
major win for Agency.com, at the very least in terms of prestige. Visa
International is the world’s leading payment brand with more than $1.6
trillion in annual volume and more than 20 million locations where it is
located.
Silicon Alley-based Agency.com recently posted a $0.07 per-share profit for
its last quarter, though its industry has taken a beating with poor revenues
and earnings that have soured many investors. The markets punished
Agency.com’s peers Viant and iXL after posting recent revenue warnings.
Visa also continues its recent efforts to market its brand online in time
for the holiday season. In addition to its international work with
Agency.com, the credit card company recently announced a promotional deal
with AOL and several leading Web e-commerce brands, in conjunction with this
month’s release of Imagine Entertainment/Universal Pictures’ upcoming
feature film “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
