KARYANEKA has launched its first online portal and mobile application to keep up with the trend of online shopping, allowing global customers to purchase local handicrafts.
The store has teamed up with two leading local e-commerce portals, FashionValet.com and Groupon.com to offer some of its products via these online portals.
The full catalogue of its products, including pewter, woodcarving, silver brassware, songket and batik are available at www.karyaneka.my and www.karyanekastore.my.
This initiative was made possible through its partnership with Tukul Cipta Industri (TCI), which has helped to expand Karyaneka’s consumer accessibility via various offline marketing initiatives.
TCI executive director Abdul Munaf Dr Sultan said the new venture will help the globalisation of the local arts and crafts industry. “The idea to market Karyaneka merchandise virtually, and thus internationally, will be a catalyst to boost demands for Malaysian handicrafts,” he said.
“The virtual market makes for a greater global market outreach and will create a new demand curve.”
TCI will also introduce Karyaneka through various platforms such as online sales, vending machines at strategic tourist spots and kiosks, online and offline catalogue-based sales as well as boutiques in major cities around the world. Currently, the catalogues are available at all hotel rooms in the Klang Valley to enable customers and tourists to order and shop from the convenience of their hotel rooms.
Meanwhile, to boost sales and promote Karyaneka’s products in the domestic market, a mobile app, which features the Celebrity Star Pick section (in which local personalities and celebrities select and recommend certain Karyaneka products) has also been launched.
“Customers can now access Karyaneka’s merchandise online on personal computers, laptops, and other devices such as smartphones and tablets. The popularity of these devices will allow Karyaneka to reach out to potential, as well as returning customers, at any time and from anywhere in the world,” said Abdul Munaf.
The initiative aims to bring the country’s heritage to greater heights internationally, even to London, Paris and New York City via the Karyaneka International boutique cafes, which will create a positive impact on the country’s arts and crafts industry.