Virgin plans Net shopping

Richard Branson has unveiled plans to open up Virgin-branded travel, financial and music businesses to electronic shopping by the end of next year.

Virgin Megastore will be the first Virgin-badged business to enter the e-commerce sector, although it is owned by WH Smith. It will give consumers online access to the chain’s catalogue of CDs, videos, software and books.

Virgin Net is aiming to develop partnerships with other retailers which wish to develop electronic commerce under the Virgin banner.

Branson says: “To the consumer, there is a perception of inadequate security, possible fraud and a service involving missing or damaged goods. People need to deal with a brand they trust to have the confidence to shop online.”