Panasonic launches online shopping portal in region

ePlus,a 100 per cent guaranteed secure shopping website, allows customers to shop for Panasonic products at their convenience and have them delivered to their doorstep within 48 working hours.

Panasonic Gulf Deputy Managing Director Kamran Khan told Khaleej Times at the launch event that the site will complement the Osaka-based company’s existing channels of showrooms, and it will reach out to a wider audience especially to those without immediate access to Panasonic dealers.

“There’s a lot of online shopping in Dubai and the UAE right now,” he said. “ePlus will make shoppers feel more convenient and secure.”

ePlus is currently available in English, but an Arabic version is soon to follow. Delivery for the moment is restricted within the UAE, but Khan said that Panasonic has plans in the cards to spread the service into other Middle East countries.

The portal also features a complete line of Panasonic products — some of which are not available in its showrooms — and has special offers such as mark-downs and special prizes for buyers. During the first week of ePlus’ launch, customers have the opportunity to win a 42-inch Viera Full HD 3D plasma TV daily.

Those who register with ePlus will automatically become Plus Card members, where more perks from Panasonic await them.

Eng Mohamed Al Noori, Director of Environmental Centre for Arab Towns, was the first Emirati to shop on ePlus, and was presented with his purchase — a Panasonic Lumix camera — at the event.

“This [portal] is very important for us because the global perspective for shopping is changing,” Khan said, referring to the fact that more and more people are turning to online shopping as it is a hassle-free and secure way to make purchases.

And with ePlus’ security features that includes not storing credit card information, consumers “should feel free” to do their shopping with Panasonic, Khan said. “People may have a lot of security apprehensions online… but the ePlus website uses a guaranteed secure payment pathway. And as time passes, we’ll make sure that we will have a more robust system.”

Khan also stressed that Panasonic has never ceased its commitment of providing quality products and services to the UAE, taking note of the strong fundamentals and leadership the country has shown especially in supporting businesses.

alvin@khaleejtimes.com