Santiago, Chile | March 2018
GAP and Banana Republic, the well-known American apparel brands that are represented by Komax, have chosen Chile as the first market in Latin America in which to open an online shopping platform. Beginning in April 2018, all their seasonal offerings will be available at thegap.cl and bananarepublic.cl, respectively, with nationwide shipping. “With these online stores we are aiming for a first-class shopping experience that will complement that of our brick and mortar stores,” said Gonzalo Benavente, Business Manager of both brands. “When buying through thegap.cl or bananarepublic.cl, you can choose to pick up your purchase in a physical store without any shipping cost or to receive it directly at your home or office. In addition, you may request an exchange in any of the brand’s stores, which are located in the top malls in the country.”
One of the reasons to promote the online channel is the sustained growth of e-commerce in Chile. Only in 2017, this activity grew by 30% relative to the prior year and, according to estimates from the Chamber of Commerce in Santiago, it should rise to US$5 billion by the end of 2018. For the year 2020, e-commerce is expected to account for US$8 billion in sales. The growth of e-commerce is a response to changes in customer habits and needs, attributable to factors such as being short on time, wanting to compare products and prices digitally, as well as the comfort of being able to buy at any time and place.
With the launch of the two new websites, Komax continues boosting its digital channel, which added and connected to its brick and mortar stores, offers its clients an omnichannel experience.