By Business & Finance 
Tommy Kelly is founder and CEO of eShopWorld, the eCommerce company forecasting €1bn in sales this year.
eShopWorld provides a technology platform to brands and retailers who wish to sell online into global markets. With offices in New York, Amsterdam, Singapore and London and a workforce of over 350, the company’s platform makes brands’ websites feel local to international shoppers, and makes it easier for them to complete their purchase, moving easily through the buyer journey, from checkout to returns.
As CEO since 2014, Kelly is spearheading the company’s mission to build the most powerful global eCommerce platform in the world. With turnover last year rising by over a third to €543.6 million and a strong forecast for 2020 thanks to a dramatic increase in e-commerce sales because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Kelly is well positioned to make that mission a reality.
Brexit was a factor but Covid is also accentuating a structural shift in retail as brands focus on more agile route to market strategies and direct to consumer relationships in a premium environment.
The lockdown imposed as a result of the pandemic forced consumers to embrace online shopping and, as a result, a greater number of brands are looking to eShopWorld to find quicker access to a greater number of potential customers. eShopWorld expects sales of €1bn this year if current volumes are maintained.
Kelly has said: “Brexit was a factor but Covid is also accentuating a structural shift in retail as brands focus on more agile route to market strategies and direct to consumer relationships in a premium environment.
“In a pandemic world, there is incredible opportunity beyond domestic channels, particularly for apparel. As consumers around the globe turn to e-commerce our data show that brands that are able to move quickly to deliver a localised e-commerce experience are seeing 300% to 400% growth in sales,” he added.
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