Debenhams increases international ambitions

Debenhams has taken steps to increase its global sales by creating the new role of international ecommerce marketing manager.

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The post holder will be responsible for planning seasonal promotion and marketing campaigns and ensuring the initiatives drive sales and profit.

A Debenhams spokesman says: “Our international delivery already spans seven countries as well as a dedicated Irish site and we are looking to expand coverage.”

The move comes as more retailers focus their attention on international ecommerce. Marks & Spencer is set to launch a transactional website in France this year as part of wider plans to open a food and womenswear store on the Champs Elysees in Paris.

Radley moved into international delivery in November with the premium handbag and accessories retailer setting up delivery to 45 countries, while young fashion chain USC launched international shipping from its site in August.

Debenhams has recently taken steps to become more of a multichannel retailer, launching transactional Android and Nokia apps in March following the launch of its first transactional iPhone app late last year.

The business, which has 61 international franchise stores across 24 countries, reported a 1.5% fall in like-for-like sales for the six months to 26 February.