Redbubble, the Melbourne-based online creative marketplace powered by more than 400,000 independent artists, announced recently that it will be opening its first European office in Berlin in early 2017, signalling a period of rapid international growth for the company.
Redbubble has also launched German, French, and Spanish language versions of its site (redbubble.de, redbubble.fr and redbubble.com/es) to support independent artists and customers in Europe and hired Sandra Yonter to lead new market development in Europe.
“The launch of German, French, and Spanish sites mark a milestone in our company’s continued focus on international growth,” said Redbubble Chief Operating Officer, Barry Newstead.
The localised sites and investment in Europe-based fulfilment to speed up shipping are key steps in our efforts to provide a localised marketplace.”
Established in 2006, Redbubble’s community of passionate creatives sell uncommon designs on high-quality, everyday products such as apparel, stationery, housewares, bags, wall art and so on.
Why expand to Europe in particular?
With over 2.2 million paying customers in 2016, and a 62 per cent increase in turnover, this marks a period of rapid growth following the company’s IPO earlier this year, with Europe now being the company’s second largest market.
Europe accounts for 27 per cent of the company’s sales, and the Americas 65 per cent, proving beyond doubt that an Australian tech company can compete and succeed in a global consumer market.
Europe is also Redbubble’s fastest growing region. German, French, and Spanish speaking markets in Europe and beyond are expected to make an increasing contribution to its future growth.
The company’s office in Berlin will provide support to independent artists and customers, drive regional marketing, and manage the coordination of local fulfilment partners.
In conjunction with the launch of the local sites, Redbubble appointed Sandra Yonter as European Director of New Market Development.
Sandra brings extensive global experience and will oversee Redbubble’s office in Berlin. Her priorities are to grow the European business by building awareness and adoption of Redbubble among European artists and consumers.
“Building Redbubble’s European presence is a strategic priority, and we are making excellent progress. Sandra Yonter understands European markets well, and she is building a great European team in Berlin to drive further growth,” commented Newstead.
