French casual apparel brand Lacoste has opened an online platform in China to take advantage of the nation’s booming e-commerce market.

Lacoste has collaborated with management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company Accenture and digital commerce company Demandware to set up its online presence.

Accenture has designed and built Lacoste’s online store and will continue to manage the operations of its online business in China. This includes technology support, back office services, integration with microsites, customer services, logistics payment services and social media networks.

Demandware provides Lacoste with complete control over the brand experience, as well as the speed, innovation and scalability of its Software as a Service (SaaS) model.

Lacoste will retain responsibility for all brand related activities, such as digital marketing, e-merchandising, branding and media.

“China presents brands with an enormous opportunity but it is a unique environment that requires a unique approach,” said Eric Mestre, MD of Accenture’s consumer goods and services practice.

“Brands must overcome legal and cultural challenges that many will not have encountered in other markets. The successful navigation of Chinese social and regulatory hurdles, while still providing a quality experience to Chinese consumers online, requires brands to adopt a tailor-made approach as Lacoste is doing with Accenture and Demandware.”