JEDDAH – With long working hours, busy schedules and even busy streets, online shopping might be the perfect solution to get what you want while sitting at home. Online shopping is becoming easier with shipping services from companies such as Fedex and banks offering special credit cards for this purpose. Namshi.com is an online shopping website that offers a wide range of men and women's clothing and accessories in the region. The site, which sells shoes and clothing in the Middle East, was founded December 2011 by Muhammed Mekki, Louis Lebbos, Hosam Arab and Faraz Khalid. Arab, co-founder of Namshi, launched the online shopping website when he was looking to start an e-commerce venture in the GCC region. He said: “Me and my partners were looking for business opportunities with potential and we decided fashion is the best at that time.” Namshi launched in December 2011 and operates around the GCC with a team of 150 people now. The company has a dedicated version of its platform for Saudi Arabia, the largest market in the Arab world, and intends to invest in developing its interface with customers. E-commerce is booming worldwide, opening business opportunities for different age groups to establish a small business online. Online markets started years ago, with Amazon and eBay the most popular ones offering almost everything. What makes Namshi unique in the region is the fact that they offer a good shopping experience. Arab said: “We offer Arabic content; we have Arabic buyers who know the market. We also offer very fast delivery, free delivery and free returns.” Arab said Saudi Arabia is the biggest market followed by the UAE. “Now we are focusing on offering faster delivery to Saudi Arabia. Currently delivery takes from seven to eight days.” Namshi has a range of international brands to appeal to different tastes and age groups. The company works with over 500 brands from the GCC, Los Angeles and the United Kingdom. In Saudi Arabia, the address system is very poor and many people are still reluctant to use their credit cards when shopping online. The site offers an option where customers can pay once they receive the items. Arab said: “The address system is poor in Saudi Arabia and we are trying to make sure customers get what they order on time and anywhere.” Namshi is set for major regional expansion after securing $20 million in financing from JP Morgan Chase and Blakeney Management. Arab said: “The future is exciting because we entered the market at the right time. “Customers now understand how to shop online and people now are more comfortable with it. The potential is huge.” According to the co-founders, the capital injection will help the company expand its operations particularly within Saudi Arabia, its fastest growing market, and also increase its product selection. Online shopping might also be addictive, as the easy process makes it convenient especially for people who do not have the time to go to malls. Namshi updates its site everyday so shoppers have access to new items frequently.
