ODP strengthens Canadian presence with new website

ATLANTA — Canada's importance to the retail industry continues to grow, made evident by the recent news that Office Depot has engaged ShopVisible, a leading provider of on-demand e-commerce, social commerce, and mobile commerce solutions, to launch the retailer’s new Canadian-facing e-commerce site.

The site, which took less than 45 days to launch, according to ShopVisible, will enable Canadian customers to research, browse and shop for their office supplies. Site features include a dedicated section for environmentally-friendly products and an exclusive deals section.

The website also allows for Canadian customers to enter their e-mail address for promotions and exclusives to be sent directly to them.

“Engaging the customer is very important when putting together an effective online shopping experience,” said Shannon Wu-Lebron, director of global e-commerce, searchandising for Office Depot Canada. “We want the customers to stay involved with the site so that they know when certain promotions are available online.”

“We are thrilled with not only the customization that ShopVisible was able to provide but the speed to market as well,” continued Wu-Lebron. “Leveraging this platform will provide us with the online presence we desire in the Canadian market.”

Office Depot closed 10 stores in Canada during its second quarter, a $12 million charge that contributed to the company's operating profits of just $3 million compared with $9 million last year.

Office Depot is one of several U.S.-based retailers, most notably Target, expanding their presence up North. Target will open its first Canadian stores in 2013.