TOKYO, June 2, 2015 - Rakuten, Inc. and The Bank of Toyama, Ltd. today announced that the two companies have concluded a business collaboration agreement for business matching involving referrals of The Bank of Toyama’s clients as merchants for Rakuten Ichiba, the Internet shopping mall.
This tie-up targets companies or sole proprietors that are clients of The Bank of Toyama and who are considering establishing an online store. Rakuten and The Bank of Toyama will cooperate to encourage these entities to open a store on Rakuten Ichiba as a means to building new sales channels, revitalize the local economy, promote local industries, and contribute to the development of the local community.
In March 2015, Rakuten opened the Kanazawa Branch Office as a regional hub for the Hokuriku area (Toyama Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture and Fukui Prefecture). Since then, Rakuten has been supporting local merchants on Rakuten Ichiba and the hotels registered on Rakuten Travel, while also setting up a specialized organization to promote the opening of stores on Rakuten Ichiba and offering comprehensive support for merchants, both before and after opening a store.
Through this tie-up, Rakuten and The Bank of Toyama will contribute to the revitalization of the local economy and local enterprises.
1. Purpose and Background of Business Collaboration
The e-commerce market is rapidly growing and the internet has become an essential tool for enterprises to expand sales channels for general consumers. In the future, the number of companies or sole proprietors that are clients of The Bank of Toyama and who are considering establishing an online store is expected to increase. By proposing they open up a store on Rakuten Ichiba, the two companies aim to help these companies and sole proprietors create new sales channels and establish their own brands.
2. Details of Business Collaboration
a. The Bank of Toyama will provide information on the Rakuten Ichiba service to target clients.
b. The Bank of Toyama will provide information and referrals of companies and sole proprietors who would like to establish an online presence to Rakuten with their consent.
c. Rakuten will provide detailed explanations of the merchant store opening process to prospective companies and sole proprietors.
d. Rakuten will provide support up to the conclusion of the merchant agreement and for e-commerce operations after opening the store.
3. Date of Conclusion of the Agreement
June 2, 2015