GILT ADDS ALIPAY EPASS TO BETTER SERVE CHINA'S LUXURY SHOPPERS

NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Gilt, the innovative global online shopping destination, announced today that it has added the Alipay ePass payment option to its checkout, making it easier for consumers in China to shop for the world's top designer brands.

Chinese shoppers account for 29% of the global luxury market and spent $33 billion (USD) on overseas websites in 2013.¹ Hundreds of millions of these enthusiastic online shoppers rely on Alipay, China's most widely used online payment tool.²

"We are constantly striving to improve our members' shopping experience," said Marshall Porter, SVP and GM of International at Gilt.com. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Alipay and allow our Chinese members an easier way to shop."

The partnership provides a more seamless experience for Chinese Gilt members, allowing them to pay through their existing Alipay accounts directly on the Gilt website. This secure and convenient payment system benefits Gilt members as it avoids the complexity of legacy credit card and international cross-border transactions.

"As China's most widely used e-payment service provider, Alipay focuses on enabling commerce between global brands and Chinese consumers," said Jingming Li, President and Chief Architect of Alipay U.S. "We are excited to partner with Gilt to help connect our consumers with the products and brands they desire. China's e-commerce market could be worth as much as $650 billion in 2020,³ and we see this as a great opportunity for global sites, like Gilt, that offer top-quality products and a premium shopping experience."

The adoption of Alipay ePass's payment and marketing option is just one of the ways that Gilt is deepening its commitment to China. Gilt will continue to improve the Chinese member's experience by translating portions of the site, providing Chinese speaking customer service representatives, as well as offering a flat shipping rate of $9.95 on orders greater than $100.00.   

The Alipay ePass solution is capable of providing payment, logistics, and marketing support to help global brands and retailers connect with Chinese consumers. Merchants can select any one or all of the Alipay ePass options.  For more information: http://global.alipay.com/epass

Gilt currently ships to over 100 countries around the world, making the shopping experience even more convenient for international members. 

Website: Gilt.com

About Gilt:

Gilt.com is an innovative global online shopping destination offering its members special access to the most inspiring merchandise and experiences, all at insider prices. Gilt opens a window every day to the exceptional as it continually searches the world for the most coveted brands and products, including fashion and accessories for women, men, and children; and home decor. Quantities are limited, so members are encouraged to shop fast!

About Alipay:

Launched in December 2004 and operating as an important participant in Alibaba Group's ecosystem, Alipay (Alipay.com) provides a secure, trustworthy, and convenient way for individuals and businesses to make and receive payments online and on mobile phones. Alipay offers payment and/or escrow services for transactions on Alibaba Group's marketplaces as well as to third parties in China. It is the principal means by which buyers and sellers settle transactions on Taobao Marketplace and Tmall.com. According to iResearch, Alipay is the largest third-party online payment service provider in China by total payment volume. Alipay is a related company of Alibaba Group and provides payment and/or escrow services for Alibaba Group's marketplaces through contractual arrangements.

¹ Reference: Bain report (as cited Economist:
http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21595019-market-growing-furiously-getting-tougher-foreign-firms-doing-it-their-way
² Reference: China CBEC Research Report 2012-2013. www.iresearch.com.cn
³ Reference: China's e-tail revolution: Online Shopping as a catalyst for growth, March 2013, McKinsey Global Institute

SOURCE Gilt Groupe, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.gilt.com