Opening the E-gates for shopping in Nepal.

The challenge for traditional retailers like MunchaHouse.com in Nepal is to develop an appropriate technological framework to offer online shopping as well as traditional shopping. By applying technology with business flair, the firm has addressed a market need. It aims to expand the export market by tapping into Nepalese communities abroad, and encourage them to buy gifts for friends and family in Nepal. It also aims to expand the domestic market by showing them the potential of online shopping through the packages received from expatriate contacts.

Founded in the heart of old Kathmandu, MunchaHouse is one of the oldest department stores in Nepal. Today, its online shop complements its traditional department store. Part of its success is based on building on a well-established brand and image. E-shopping includes merchandise of over 5,000 items in 25 major categories, including greeting cards and upload of photos for development and delivery. Since the launch of MunchaHouse.com in 2000, the company has developed a customer base of 4,500 members.

MunchaHouse.com saw how the Internet raises the possibility of serving Nepalese people in previously unimagined ways. The web site caters to the Nepalese community outside Nepal, enabling shoppers to select items from a wide variety of categories and items. These products are delivered to over 120 e-connected destinations in Nepal (a tall order for any mail order company), allowing them to bridge...