La Poste is stepping up its e-commerce value chain activities with the acquisition of e-commerceprovider Mixcommerce and by setting up a dedicated new business unit for the growth sector.
The new unit will incorporate its e-commerce solution Box E-Commerce and the newly-acquiredservice provider.
With the creation of a separate e-commerce division, La Poste aims to become a preferred serviceprovider for retailers and brands, and especially for their online and offline sales activities. LaPoste said this enhancement will enable it to broaden its know-how providing customised solutionsfor each type of e-retailer, big brands and the entire value chain of e-commerce.
Launched in 2007, the Paris-based Mixcommerce provides diverse services from creating websites,product photoshoots and merchandising to e-marketing and e-logistics. The individual brands canthus outsource their e-commerce activities to 100% to Mixcommerce without major investments,remaining focused on their core business.
Mixcommerce clients include brands Kookai, Axara, Eres, Celio, Alain Figaret, Aigle, De Fursac,Réminiscence and Annick Goutal which have all entrusted their websites to the e-commercefacilitator. As a result, e-commerce activities of Mixcommerce clients grew by 50% in the firstquarter of 2012 with online trade increasing 20% overall in 2011.
Philip Rodriguez, Mixcommerce CEO, said: “This agreement will speed up the development ofMixcommerce and strengthen our leading position in the e-commerce market. Thanks to the trust of LaPoste Group and its expertise in promotional and relational marketing, we will increase our chancesof being selected by brands to guarantee the success of their development online.”
Last month, La Poste posted a double-digit decline in profits impacted by the Greek debt crisiswhile its turnover grew slightly as all its business units reported growth in 2011, especially withits parcel unit showing a strong volume increase.
