SHOPAHOLICS REJOICE: Malaysians will soon have another outlet for retail therapy when Rakuten opens its virtual doors later this year. - AFP/Relaxnews 2012
A NEW online shopping mall is set to hit Malaysia with Japanese e-commerce company Rakuten Inc planning for a late launch in 2012.
The Rakuten Online Shopping will focus on offering consumers the best local and international goods, expanding the brand's footprint in South-East Asia.
"The Rakuten shopping experience brings the best of both worlds to consumers and merchants," said Masaya Ueno, president and chief executive officer of Rakuten Online Shopping.
According to Ueno, the company empowers merchants via its platform, by providing them with the tools and know-how they need to enable them to customise their store fronts and communicate directly with their customers.
"This flexibility and interaction brings the online shopping experience to life and puts the fun back in shopping," Ueno added.
At the initial phase of its rollout, the company is currently seeking to partner mid-sized and large retailers across industries in the market, including fashion and apparel, IT and electronics, books, and luxury goods.
This will mark the company's third e-commerce market entry in the region, following TARAD.com in Thailand in 2009, and Indonesia's Rakuten Belanja Online in 2011.
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www.rakuten.com.my