China’s online shopping giant VIP.com has arrived in Australia.
The eCommerce company, which unveiled a Sydney distribution centre this week, has announced plans to create a gateway for local brands to tap China.
VIP.com is a key player in China’s e-commerce space with total orders for the third quarter of 2017 increased by 23% to 74.0 million from 60.1 million in the prior year period.
Head of global buyer Hillary Wang said the market is a key focus.
“Australia is already a very strong market for VIP.com. We are looking to procure about AUD 500 million of Australian goods in FY18 and we expect to double that figure the year after.
“We have highly effective partnerships with many Australian businesses and have become their primary sales channel in China. We have serious aspirations to become the number one platform in China for many more of our suppliers’ businesses.
“We only deal with brand owners directly or through their authorised distributors. Authenticity is critical to building brands and Chinese shoppers know that VIP.com delivers that,” Wang said.
VIP.com has a female-skewed audience (+80%) and customises its recommended range of products to shoppers, based on demographic and purchase history.
“We are pleased to be investing in Australia. Chinese consumers trust Australia’s production standards and quality of its natural resources.
"Australia is our number one import market for nutrition and food and beverage, and whilst we have made much progress, we have plans for further significant growth.
"This trip is about deepening our partnerships with existing suppliers and inviting participation from potential new partners,” Wang said.