KLM SHOP OPEN FOR ONLINE SALES OF BRAND ARTICLES

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines today launched its “KLM Shop” online facility on KLM website www.klm.nl for sales of branded articles to consumers in the Netherlands. The articles include luxury gifts and items carrying the KLM logo, to be followed later this year by a selection of exclusive wines.

The online shopping facility is part of the company’s drive to widen online sales beyond air tickets. Initially “KLM Shop” will offer a limited selection of gift articles with the KLM logo, including model aircraft, neckties, leatherware and watches, to gain experience of online sales. Additionally, online customers can purchase travel accessories including suitcases and bags. The wines, all of them served on board to KLM’s World Business Class passengers, will be on sale in December.

Articles ordered via “KLM Shop” are delivered to the address filled out online, enabling customers to send gifts to business contacts and acquaintances. Customers can pay for their orders in various ways, including the usual range of credit cards, and through the I-Pay and Rabobank “Direct Betalen” facilities, besides bank giro transfers and one-off payment authorizations.

This KLM initiative is a pilot project to study whether an online shopping facility is viable and can be operated profitably. If the project is sufficiently successful, then new articles will be added and service expanded to other European countries. KLM is working jointly with E-vita.com NV for the handling of orders and delivery of “KLM Shop” articles. E-vita.com NV, e-commerce partner of Exel Logistics and MeesPierson Bank, was closely involved in developing the new KLM online sales facility.

KLM will continue to invest in new activities to enhance e-business opportunities and make them increasingly attractive for the company’s customers. Earlier this month, KLM launched its www.klmholidays.nl website offering KLM customers in the Dutch market a selection of travel packages offered by recognized tour operators in the Netherlands. KLM’s e-facility for purchasing air tickets has been online for some time at www.klm.com.