NSW Parliamentary Secretary Jonathan O'Dea has officially opened a Sydney distribution centre for Chinese e-tailer VIP.com, supporting export opportunities for NSW businesses.
Mr O’Dea said VIP.com is the online channel for Chinese discount retailer Vipshop which sells apparel, sporting goods, beauty, food and wine, homewares and lifestyle products.
“VIP.com’s distribution centre at Homebush West provides a great opportunity for NSW businesses to export to China through the company’s e-commerce platform.
“Vipshop is expanding its online discount retail model which is already highly trusted in China and opening it up for new Australian entrants.
“VIP.com’s mission is to source high quality and fashionable products for Chinese consumers - a fantastic chance for NSW businesses to tap the e-commerce export market.
“Vipshop is interested in selling a range of locally supplied goods from food and beverage, to clothing, shoes, bags, sporting, skincare, electronic and homeware products, which aligns with NSW’s focus on growing our export sector,” Mr O’Dea said.
Martin Brown, general manager of confectionery at Nestle Oceania, said the company is selling a number of brands on VIP.com including Soothers.
"Via VIP.com we have introduced the Soothers portfolio to a market of 300 million online Chinese shoppers, who have shown positive early signs in terms of adoption.”
Shayne Mele, merchandise manager at VIP.com, said globally Vipshop has more than 50,000 staff with eight based in a Sydney CBD office and two at Homebush West.
“The majority of our stock is sourced in Sydney, and the Western Sydney corridor is a great location for transport with accessible proximity to the airport and existing suppliers,” he said.
Mr O’Dea said China is NSW’s largest trade partner in both merchandise and services, with two-way merchandise trade worth $36.3 billion in 2016.
“Vipshop reports a growing customer base and annual sales reaching USD$8.15 billion last year so hopefully it can help sell more NSW products into China,” he said.
