Bluefly Targets Global Market, Fulfillment
By Hannah Ash, contributing writer
Partners With Pitney Bowes, Expands Reach
In a move to offer Bluefly’s international customers a seamless shopping experience regardless of location, the fashion retailer has announced a partnership with Connecticut-based Pitney Bowes to expand its market into the global arena. Pitney Bowes, an e-commerce and shipping solutions provider, will work with the retailer to simplify expand its global shipping and shopping options with an emphasis on affordability and efficiency. Bluefly’s focus on expansion appears to be part of a larger trend of U.S. retailers looking to capture a larger part of the international market.
The e-commerce and shipping solutions provider has a range of different options for facilitating international fulfillment, including Software as a Service which streamlines key international sales requirements such as tax calculation, parcel protection and export management. Craig Reed, VP for Pitney Bowes Global Ecommerce, states, “we look forward to collaborating with Bluefly to help them simplify the complexities associated with international ecommerce and deliver purchases to the doorsteps of their customers worldwide.” Among Pitney Bowes’ roster of clients are Dooney & Bourke, PlanetShoes, and Steve Alan.
Bluefly joins many other leading retailers as it moves to bring its brand to a larger global market. Gap recently rolled out plans to expand its omni-channel approach with plans to focus on fulfillment, the global supply chain and an expanded inventory; Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Gap Inc., states, “We have the world's best collection of American brands coupled with a strong economic model and runway for global growth.” Ann Inc.’s global shipping program for LOFT, launched last year, is credited by Forbes analysts as responsible for some of the brand’s recent revenue growth; LOFT currently ships to over 100 countries. Last month a new e-commerce platform Shopio.com launched; the platform strives to bring small and mid-sized retailers to an international audience. “The appetite for U.S. apparel and accessories brands, and the desire to shop online globally, is continuing to fuel interest from international buyers around the world,” Reed comments.