Sri Lanka’s Onlinekade.lk expands to Dubai as first step into the international market.
Daily FT: Onlinekade.lk, a family-run business by five individuals, recently expanded to Dubai, opening its first store at the heart of Dubai at the Jumeirah Garden City, Al Satwa.
The expansion marks the company’s first step into the international market to support its worldwide growth. As part of this plan, the company has entered into a partnership with the DASA Group UK to improve its distribution channels and strengthen its supply chain with large distribution networks.
Onlinekade.lk Co-Founder Rahil Atheeq stated: “We created an environment that connects with our consumers and fosters happiness with over-the-top displays and a fun vibe. Onlinekade.lk puts the confectionery category and local products on full display by combining the industry’s beloved products with a unique and innovative in-person retail experience, and enhancing the magic related to shoppers’ favourite treats.”
Onlinekade.lk was initiated as an e-commerce website and has now branched into three physical convenience stores, with one located in the busy neighbourhood of Rajagiriya and another in Bambalapitiya, in addition to its latest outlet in Dubai. Going beyond the traditional convenience store offering, Onlinekade.lk sources premium products while also supporting small local brands. The Dubai store is well stocked with Sri Lankan products and sought-after local delicacies, as Onlinekade.lk hopes to use its international store as a platform to showcase local products to an international clientele.
Part of the shopping experience at Onlinekade.lk comes from its Instagram-perfect decorations with several photo-worthy areas where customers can hang out – another way it stands out from the typical store. Adding to this, the Dubai store has a ramen counter for a quick grab-and-go or sit-down meal, as well as charging facilities and workstations to add to the shopping experience.
OSL take:
The expansion of a Sri Lankan based online platform into a foreign market is indicative of the strength and growth of the country’s start-up businesses, especially in the digital sector. Sri Lanka’s overall economic expansion has created business/investment opportunities in the country’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors. These opportunities have further expanded with Sri Lanka’s move to transform the country into an e-economy whilst developing digital platforms. Following the global pandemic and the new normal activities, there’s a growing demand for digital marketing and services. Given the growing demand, foreign businesses/investors could explore the growing opportunities in the country’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors. Foreign businesses could also look at forming partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses engaged in the sectors to further expand operations locally and internationally.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/09112022/AT_2 |