Hermes, one of Europe's leading trading and logistics providers, is continuing its international expansion. The company is stepping up its campaign to strengthen its position in key markets and gain proximity to customers and clients. As part of its efforts, company-wide sales positions have been established in key e-commerce strongholds such as the USA, France and the Benelux countries. The aim is to bolster both international acquisitions and the reach of the Hermes brand. A pivotal forum for this is the 'One to One' e-commerce congress in Monaco from 20-21 March, where Hermes will be presenting is global service portfolio.
"As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Otto Group, Hermes is part of the second-largest retailing enterprise in the world, with unparalleled expertise in e-commerce," says Max-Niclas Bense, head of international business development at Hermes. "With twelve specialized companies, Hermes is also the only provider in the industry capable of supplying e-tailers with all the relevant services along the value chain. We are targeting smaller and larger international players alike that are looking to leverage their success model to gain a foothold in Europe."
Europe embraces roughly 740 million potential customers, with around half of them active on e-commerce. France is one of the leading countries, with an estimated €45 million changing hands in online retail in 2012 - and the trend is still rising. "It makes sense therefore to set up local sales operations directly. And we are therefore delighted to have Antoine Routaboul on board, a proven e-commerce expert,” says max-Niclas Bense. Routaboul, with his in-depth experience in supply chain management both within and outside the Otto Group, is based in Lille and takes over the helm for Hermes Group sales for France and the Benelux countries - from web-shop operations, transportation and fulfilment through to international distribution.
In March, Hermes will be showcasing in this context at the 'E-Commerce One to One' in Monaco (booth 39). At the parallel conference, Routaboul will be talking on the issue 'Is Russia the new e-commerce marketplace?' (20 March, 3pm). Hermes has been active in Russia since 2012, operating its own network of ParcelShops.