Matchesfashion launches French language site

Matchesfashion is making a push across the Channel with its French language site, which was unveiled today.

The luxury fashion retailer has also unveiled French language mobile apps and a print magazine, while a styling team will be on hand to serve French customers from 9am to 6pm. Next day delivery is also being offered.

CEO Ulrich Jerome told WWD that France was already a successful market for the multichannel retailer and a dedicated site was a "natural step". "We wanted to provide the best level of customer experience for our French customers and to build upon the successes in this territory," he said.

The unveiling comes a day after Matchesfashion revealed it had achieved record growth over the Christmas trading period with sales up 82%. It took £94,000 in one transaction alone on its mobile app.

International sales are rocketing for the London-based business and accounted for 77% of online orders over the Christmas period. Around 50% of online sales are now being made via mobile devices.

Matchesfashion was founded 30 years ago as a Wimbledon boutique by Tom and Ruth Chapman, who remain executive chairmen of the business. It moved into online about 10 years ago and has bricks and mortar stores in affluent London neighbourhoods including Wimbledon, Richmond, Notting Hil and Marylebone.

Just before Christmas it launched its 90-minute delivery service within the M25 and just after Christmas it revealed it would be opening a standalone store for its own label Raey in Notting Hill later this year.