Leading international e-commerce service pro¬vider NETRADA GmbH launches Lacoste’s first European Online Shop in France

GARBSEN, June 2, 2010. Lacoste’s first European online shop has opened for French customers at http://shop-fr.lacoste.com. Germany and UK will follow in the second half of 2010.

The launch of the first European online store constitutes a major milestone for Lacoste. Other than the already existing US Shop, the European online shop focuses on brand and shopping experience in one site. Devanlay (Apparel) and Pentland Brands plc (Footwear) - both being responsible for the European roll-out of Lacoste’s e-commerce strategy - are convinced that this is an important step for the further path of brand recognition and growth.  “We will of course take the chance to increase our sales volume,” says Andy Simister, Global President at Pentland, “but are in addition thrilled about the opportunity to gain valuable consumer insights through a direct relationship with the end user.”

Customers can find a wide range of exciting features which make online shopping even more comfortable: A subtle search engine allows the customers to find exactly the Polo that he is looking for, a one-click application allows the customers to share their favorite products with friends on social networking sites (such as Facebook or Twitter) and very soon, the customers will have the possibility to create their own and personalized Polo shirt.

As part of the full-service model, NETRADA will be responsible for the entire process chain of the online stores‘ internet distribution from mer¬chandise logistics to digital imaging, online marketing and billing services. With over 70 different shops managed, NETRADA has already proven its international track record for setting up and selling fashion & shoes for leading brands both in the US and Europe.” Lacoste is definitely ready to enter the online world,” explains Tobias Hartmann, Managing Director of NETRADA GmbH, “and we are convinced of the success of the online shop. It is our ambition to build a significant business with Lacoste over the coming years of our long-term partnership.”