Samsonite gets set to launch an e-commerce web site

Samsonite Corp. is launching an e-commerce web site, replacing the information-only site that it operates now. The company says the web site will eventually offer the company’s entire range of products and be available worldwide.

The company says it will start this month with the Samsonite Black Label, its premium brand, at samsoniteblacklabel.com available in the U.S. and Canada before rolling out to Europe in the first quarter 2008 and Asia Pacific markets, including South Korea, China and Japan in the second quarter. Shipping and distribution locations will be in the U.S for the U.S. and Canada; in Belgium for Europe; in each country in the key Asia Pacific markets.

"The creation of a first rate e-commerce web site is a key pillar in the development of our global retail strategy,” said president and CEO, Marcello Bottoli. “We fully expect that the web site will play a vital role in the acceleration of our retail offer. Our objective is not just to have a stunning web site, but to offer the ever more sophisticated consumer the more rounded multi-channel retail experience they demand today."

The company expects to launch Samsonite.com for its entire line in July.

Samsonite’s web site development is headed up by Andrew Harber, global e-commerce director. Harber recently joined the company from the UK retail group Woolworths where he was head of strategy and channel systems. Before that, he led Woolworths Group`s e-commerce operations as director of the group`s internet retail division. Previously, he spent seven years in Kingfisher subsidiaries in a variety of e-commerce and IT strategy roles.

The site was designed by Avenue A | Razorfish and is built on the Elastic Path e-commerce platform. Avenue A | Razorfish is also creating a search marketing campaign for the US and Canada.