Zalora eyes to double sales

MANILA, Philippines - Online fashion market Zalora Philippines is aiming to double its sales per year in the next three years as it expects greater Internet adoption and growth in domestic consumption amid favorable economic conditions.

In a briefing yesterday, Paulo Campos III, co-founder and chief executive officer of Zalora Philippines, said the firm is aiming to double its sales per year beginning this year over a three-year period.

Last year, Zalora Philippines’ sales grew by 150 percent from 2013.

The firm is optimistic its sales would continue to grow over the next three years as it banks on greater Internet penetration with the number of users seen to climb to 70 million by 2018 from 35 million at present.

This, as smartphones are becoming more affordable and accessible to consumers.

As the number of Internet users increase, the trust in online transactions is likewise expected to rise which would encourage more individuals to purchase goods through the Web.

Campos said the firm also expects to benefit from the country’s strong economic growth.

“We’re seeing rising disposable income due to the growing economy. The BPO (business process outsourcing) sector which employs young individuals will be buying more,” he said.

As the firm is aiming for higher sales and growth of the business, Zalora Philippines managing director Constantin Robertz said in the same event the company is moving to a a bigger warehouse for its products in Carmona, Cavite by the end of May.

The new warehouse has a floor space covering 10,000-square meters and can accommodate two million products, while the existing facility located in Paranaque City covers 6,000-sqm.

“The new warehouse is designed to accommodate our growth in the future,” he said.

To promote higher sales, Campos said the firm also intends to launch its pop-up store in the country this year where customers can take a look, try on items and place orders.

Zalora, which started operations in the Philippines in 2012, is a leading online fashion destination carrying more than 500 international and local brands across apparel, shoes, accessories and beauty products for men and women.

As of last year, Zalora Philippines had over 150,000 unique visits per day with each visit covering an average of 13 minutes on the website and viewing of 10 pages, while the number of Zalora app downloads reached 4.799 million.

Aside from the Philippines, Zalora has presence in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Brunei.