Peter Halkett says the internet is an opportunity for Kathmandu to extend its customer base beyond countries where it has actual stores, like this new one in Christchurch. Photo / Supplied
Kathmandu is expanding its online presence to customers in countries that may include the United States, Japan and Canada.
Chief executive Peter Halkett, speaking at the annual shareholders' meeting in Auckland yesterday, said the outdoor apparel retailer saw growth in internet shopping as an opportunity rather than a threat.
The
fact that Kathmandu's branded products could only be bought through its own stores gave the company an advantage over other retailers, he said.
At present Kathmandu has websites only for customers in New Zealand, Australia and Britain - the three countries where it has bricks-and-mortar retail stores.
Halkett said other markets, such as Canada, the United States and Japan, were the "top prospects" for a global website.
