B2W Digital, the largest online retailer in Latin America, announced this month it has completed its acquisition of Direct, a Brazil-based logistics provider that specializes in deliveries of small items.
The acquisition is part of the web-only retailer’s $188.17 million investment in logistics and technology in the first half of 2014 and the latest in a string of moves to improve fulfillment and logistics in Brazil, where e-commerce is hampered by poor roads and delivery infrastructure in many areas.
In 2013, B2W acquired Click Rodo, a logistics operator focused on delivery of larger packages. B2W Digital also says it plans to open at least seven new distribution centers by the end of next year.
For the second quarter, B2W Digital, No. 1 in the Latin America 500, also reports:
- Net revenue of $727.68 million, up 36.2% compared with $534.19 million in Q2 of 2013.
- The launch of an e-commerce marketplace on its mass merchandise site, Americanas.com. Now B2W has marketplaces on Americanas.com.br and Submarino.com.br.
- General and administrative expenses of $131.2 million, or 18% of net revenue, compared with 19% of net revenue in Q2 2013.
- Net loss of $28.49 million compared with a net loss of $21.74 million a year earlier.
For the first half, B2W Digital reports:
- Net revenue of $1.49 billion, up approximately 34.0% from $1.11 billion a year earlier
- General and administrative expenses of $267.21 million, representing 18.0% of net revenue compared with 18.8% for the first half of 2013.
- Net loss of $53.89 million, compared with $48.72 million a year earlier.
In the second quarter, B2W also launched new mobile sites for its Americanas, Shoptime and Submarino brands. It also re-launched its Americanas web site, added the ability for shoppers to specify the price they would pay for items on Americanas and Submarino, and added product comparison features to its Americanas site. Other updates include a recommendations engine on both Shoptime and Americanas. Additionally, visitors to B2W Digital’s TV shopping channel e-commerce site Shoptime can now view products that were recently seen on the TV channel.
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