Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics and home appliances, is the first to launch ePlus, an online portal for UAE customers to purchase any Panasonic product from the comfort of their homes, and have it delivered, it was announced today.

With the launch of ePlus http://eplus.panasonic.ae/EN, consumers can now shop for the Japanese manufacturer's products from the comfort of their homes and offices.

ePlus is another green initiative from Panasonic and it complements the company's Eco Ideas Declaration to be a green innovation company, and this innovative paperless shopping environment is a holistic approach to a greener lifestyle.

"Online shopping is growing in the UAE, and as a customer-centric organization, Panasonic aims to provide our customer's unmatched convenience of shopping from anywhere, anytime. As the UAE grows in leaps and bounds with communities springing up in almost every conceivable location, this online portal provides customers the opportunity to shop online for Panasonic products from the comforts of their home or office. By shopping online the customer also contributes significantly to the environment by reducing the use of personal transport - the ethos that Panasonic strongly advocates and implements" commented Mr. Seiji Koyanagi, Managing Director of Panasonic Marketing Middle East.

"Al-Futtaim Panatech, part of the Al-Futtaim Group and the sole distributor for Panasonic in UAE has been instrumental in making today's ePlus launch possible," added Koyanagi.

Al-Futtaim Panatech will provide the logistic and back office support for all purchases made on the ePlus portal.

"Al-Futtaim Panatech is proud to be associated with a dynamic and innovative brand like Panasonic. ePlus the online shopping portal is the right step forward, especially given the shopping trends that we are witnessing amongst the internet savvy UAE consumer," said Probir Mukherjee, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Panatech.

Customers who register on the website automatically become Panasonic exclusive 'Plus card' loyalty members and can then take advantage of the fantastic deals on Panasonic products. Consumers gain 'plus' points on every purchase at "ePlus" and these points can then be redeemed on future purchases of any Panasonic product including digital AV, Cameras & camcorders, home appliances, personal care, accessories and system solution products.

In the first week of the launch of ePlus, customers stand to chance to win daily a 42 inch VIERA Full HD 3D plasma TV. Furthermore, customers making purchases in July will get a chance to enter a draw to win the acclaimed SLR LUMIX GH2 camera everyday.

All products purchased will be delivered within UAE jurisdiction only. Panasonic is using a secured payment gateway to secure all online payments, and Panasonic will not store any credit card information, giving customers that added security to shop online.

Eng. Mohamed AlNoori, Director of Environmental Center for Arab Towns, UAE national and one of the first customer to make a purchase on the website commented, "Tech Savvy UAE consumers are increasingly shopping online as it gives them flexibility and convenience. The region's shopping habits and culture are slowly going digital and Panasonic is taking the right step in making all its products available online. Moreover, it also helps the environment."

The ePlus website is only available currently in English, but Arabic and a wider Middle East version will also be launched at a later date.

Pansonic e-plus website can be accessed from: http://eplus.panasonic.ae/EN

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