Press Releases

Buoyant UK affiliate network LinkShare defies struggling economy with new client wins

London -- January 20, 2009 --

Affiliate network LinkShare is riding high with the announcement of a series of high-profile advertiser wins in the past few months. Companies launching new affiliate campaigns with LinkShare include London’s famous retailer Aspinal of London; luxury online fashion boutique Rous Iland; the Designers Guild; footwear brand Kickers, fashion brands Boxfresh and Great Plains; maternity wear designer Isabella Oliver; premium women’s fashion retailer Coast and jeweller Kabiri.

With traditional high street shopping in decline, the online space continues to expand its importance as a key source of income for retailers. Research released by LinkShare and analyst house Jupiter Research earlier this year highlighted the dramatic shift in consumer shopping behaviour in response to the challenging economic environment, and shows that shoppers are becoming ever more diligent in their search for the best deals online.

Out of 1,000 online consumers surveyed, 63% believed they faced tough financial times ahead and more than a third of buyers (39%) planned to undertake further online research before purchasing to help secure the lowest prices. In addition, it was found that regular promotions and incentives are strongly influencing online purchases, with 45% of online shoppers citing regular promotions as influential in their decisions to return to an online seller they have purchased from in the past.

Designers Guild CEO, Simon Jeffreys says, “Our exciting new partnership with LinkShare is a significant step in the development of our e-shopping experience, bringing the complete range of Designers Guild accessories to internet shoppers throughout the UK and Eire.  Our full range of fabrics and wallpapers are available exclusively through an exceptional network of talented interior designers and independent retailers.”

Liane Dietrich, UK Managing Director at LinkShare, said of the report: “Our report showed clearly that UK consumers’ purchasing decisions are influenced by a wide range of online sources. This argues strongly for the inclusion of affiliate marketing in a rounded communications campaign and we are pleased to be working with such well-known companies to help them implement their first affiliate campaigns.”

LinkShare is one of the UK’s fastest growing affiliate networks, providing a leading marketplace for advertisers and publishers to grow sales, discover new customers and propel revenue growth. Since launching in the UK in 2006, LinkShare has secured over 90 advertisers and publishers, with 50% of its advertisers being exclusive to the network.

For further information please contact Tim Masih or Chloe Wilkinson on 020 7608 2500 or linkshare@hotwirepr.com

LinkShare UK
The LinkShare Corporation provides ecommerce businesses with a wide range of online marketing services including Search Marketing (SEM), Lead Generation and Affiliate Marketing.

LinkShare UK launched in 2006. It is now one of the UK’s leading affiliate marketing networks, with a unique network of quality publishers. In the last 18 months LinkShare has partnered with over 80 brand advertisers in the UK including well-known names from the retail and travel sectors such as AVON, British Airways, Cath Kidston, French Connection, House of Fraser, Links of London, LOVEFiLM.com, The White Company and Uniqlo.

LinkShare is dedicated to bringing future technology to today’s market and to enabling both advertisers and publishers to create tracking links through new channels and with new rich media options. Uniquely in the affiliate market, LinkShare’s patented tracking technology has never relied on pixels or cookies.
Advertisers can increase their online sales by leveraging LinkShare's massive performance marketing network along with expert consultative services and patented technology. Superior service combined with technology innovation allows advertisers and publishers to acquire and retain new customers, increase revenue and drive results.

LinkShare was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in New York City, with offices in San Francisco, Chicago, London and Tokyo.  LinkShare is a division of Rakuten, Inc.