Stanley Gibbons, the leading stamp and autograph seller, is to launch a new ecommerce website, improving the online service it offers to collectors worldwide.
The company, which made 30% of its 2010 sales overseas, says the new site, to launch in December, will help it expand into overseas markets at the same time as building on its sales with existing clients.
Stanley Gibbons, founded in 1856, sells stamps, provides alternative investment products, based on rare stamps and historical signatures, publishes catalogues and magazines, and deals autographs. It trades online at www.stanleygibbons.com.
Chief operating officer Donal Duff said: “We decided in early 2010 that there was huge potential for us to increase our business and revenue through the online channel. Not only would an increased and effective presence online allow us to capture sales with existing clients, it would also allow us to expand our sales overseas into key markets such as the US and Far East.”
The company, which is working with UK web consultancy Sceneric to develop the new website, has opted for a hybris platform. Through the platform they are planning to offer new services such as online auction facilities for customers and virtual dealing rooms.
“The options are very exciting,” said Duff. “We look forward to working with hybris and the expansion and development of our global business through the online channel we are developing.”
Ariel Luedi, chief executive of hybris, said: “Many companies are realising the benefits of using the online channel as part of an integrated multichannel strategy. Stanley Gibbons is an exciting example of a traditional company embracing the web as a means to expand its business and brand globally, and to develop new products and services on the back of this.”
