eBay's GSI Commerce to Help Branded Clients Enter China

eBay's ecommerce unit GSI Commerce has entered into a partnership with Fireswirl Technologies to help GSI's clients enter China. Fireswirl helps brands operate online stores in China, including flagship stores on Alibaba's Taobao Mall, the leading Chinese business-to-consumer online retail website.

In a press statement about the partnership, eBay said that, as a result of strong interest for leading international brands among the Chinese population, there is tremendous growth potential for retailers and brands in China. eBay acquired GSI Commerce last year, which provides ecommerce technology, fulfillment, customer care and marketing services to over 1,000 retailers and brands.

Tobias Hartmann, CEO of Global Operations at GSI Commerce, said partnership with Fireswirl allows it to facilitate its clients' speed to market in China. "For retailers already established in China, GSI's innovative multichannel commerce solutions driven by its VendorNet Commerce Suite and its partnership with Fireswirl will provide brands the opportunity to attract Chinese shoppers to its retail stores, increasing brand loyalty and ultimately sales."

The GSI and Fireswirl relationship has already proved successful with a recently launched website for a leading U.S. retailer on Taobao, according to eBay. GSI Commerce spokesperson Kelly Henry did not respond to inquiries about the identity of the retailer by press time.