Ukash, the international online cash payment provider, is continuing its global expansion with the announcement of a massive development in Italy through a partnership with Epipoli, a leading international relationship marketing company, specialising in CRM, advanced modelling and Gift Cards.
Through this partnership, Ukash has the opportunity to expand its presence in more than 145 Esselunga stores in which Epipoli - the Italian leader in the Gift Card industry - is already present. The start of this leadership role dates back to 2008, the year in which Epipoli introduced Gift Cards in Italy at Esselunga stores.
Esselunga, a grocery retail chain of 145 supermarkets and superstores processing 170 million transactions per year, was also the first retail chain in Italy to introduce online shopping for Italian consumers. Launched initially as a pilot program in a few test stores, the Gift Card extension has quickly expanded to all 145 stores within the chain consisting of various display formats.
With their combined expertise and existing networks, Epipoli and Esselunga offer Ukash a strong platform to provide its services to the Italian consumer, expanding the Ukash network to retail locations across Italy. Consumers in Italy will now be able to use Ukash to safely and conveniently purchase online - exchanging cash and coins for Ukash codes. Accepted at a wide range of websites around the world, from shopping and Gift Cards to gaming, poker and bingo, Ukash can be purchased globally from more than 460,000 terminals in convenient locations including highway, railway stations and airports, many of which are open 24 hours a day.
David Hunter, Chief Executive Officer at Ukash explains, "It is Epipoli's level of expertise in the Gift Card and retail market that makes it the perfect partner for Ukash, as we continue to offer customers around the world greater choice and flexibility when it comes to shopping online. Now consumers in Italy can benefit from access to Ukash codes across Epipoli's network of retail chains, fuel stations and supermarkets, including the Esselunga chain of supermarkets and superstores.
Gaetano Giannetto, Chief Executive Officer at Epipoli adds, "Ukash already has a strong presence across Europe. We are, therefore, excited to be working with the online cash innovator to meet consumer demand in Italy as more shoppers choose to pay with cash online. We are confident that Italian consumers will embrace Ukash as a new way to purchase online, eliminating the worry of becoming a victim of fraud."