arvato systems Implements New Global eCommerce Platform for Benefit Cosmetics - April 20, 2011
Arvato Systems selected for expertise integrating hybris multichannel eCommerce software and global team of IT consultants across U.S., Europe and Asia
arvato systems North America, a leading global provider of IT services and eCommerce solutions, today announced the successful implementation of a comprehensive, global eCommerce platform for Benefit Cosmetics. The new eCommerce platform - which is powered by hybris multichannel ecommerce technology - launched in the China market March 23, 2011, and is expected to roll out in the U.S. and the UK later this year.
Benefit Cosmetics, a unit of LVMH Moët Hennessy, is an established global beauty brand with products and services sold in more than 35 countries. Because the brand was rapidly expanding its presence internationally and forecasting even greater growth in Asian markets such as China, it required a new eCommerce platform that was more flexible to manage and operate, and scalable to accommodate customer use of the system.
For this project, which initiated in late 2010, Benefit Cosmetics turned to arvato systems for the development and integration of a global eCommerce platform with services that included:
Integration with back-end systems such as online payment vendors, customer email and registration, and financial processes Robust, scalable technical design of the platform Fulfillment and Logistics that ensured seamless flow of products, money and information for the business Customer service and customer care support to ensure a positive experience for customers purchasing Benefit Cosmetics goods online
A fun, playful and irreverent beauty brand, Benefit Cosmetics wanted to ensure a new eCommerce platform that could more effectively communicate the brand's mission and create a more engaging, rewarding and easy-to-use experience for global consumers.
"As we sought potential partners for this project, it quickly became evident arvato systems stood apart with its significant experience working with hybris multichannel eCommerce software and global, integrated team of eCommerce and web development consultants in Shanghai, Munich and New York," said Valerie Hoecke, VP, Digital Experience and Commerce, Benefit Cosmetics. "It is challenging to find integration partners that also deliver fulfillment, back office operations support and customer support, and arvato systems possessed all of the core capabilities to support our eCommerce platform."
The successful launch in the China market showcased arvato systems' ability to quickly integrate the hybris multichannel eCommerce suite, as well as the ability of arvato's global team of hybris experts to configure a solution that adapted to the specific habits and needs of Chinese consumers and web users. As a result, Benefit Cosmetics can easily manage multiple sales and communications channels on a single platform.
"While some companies can provide eCommerce platform integration and others can offer fulfillment or customer service solutions, arvato systems was selected for its ability to deliver an end-to-end solution across the entire eCommerce value chain," said Frank Zimmermann, Managing Director, arvato systems. "With a team of IT consulting and web development experts in place in strategic global locations, arvato systems was not only able to support the initial launch in China, but is also uniquely positioned for planned rollouts of Benefit Cosmetics' eCommerce platform in other global markets this year."
"Leading global lifestyle brands, including Reebok, Adidas and, most recently, Benefit Cosmetics, continue to turn to arvato systems to go global and expand their footprint," added Martin Guersoy, Senior Director, Sales & Marketing, arvato systems. "Whether it is a U.S.-based company seeking to do business in a specific overseas market or a company truly seeking to go global with an eCommerce platform, arvato systems has the expertise, resources and technology to make it happen."