Blue Nile expands new markets

Blue Nile, Inc., the leading online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry, has announced that it will offer international shipping to twelve new countries throughout Europe and Asia-Pacific. In addition to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Company will now serve customers in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan.

In 2007, Blue Nile’s international sales grew over 100% to $17.2 Million. Today, we are very excited to announce the next step in the Company’s expansion into new markets, said Mark Vadon, Chief Executive Officer. This launch allows us to build off of the success we have seen in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. and, most of all, provides us with the opportunity to offer unmatched quality, selection, service and value to the more than 400 million residents in these markets.

Over the past year, Blue Nile has invested significant effort into its international expansion strategy. In 2007, the Company launched new websites in Canada and the U.K., enhancing its product offering and providing the ability to make purchases in each country’s local currency. In addition, Blue Nile opened an office in Dublin, Ireland with local customer service and fulfillment operations to better serve the Company’s growing customer base in Europe.

Blue Nile’s decision to expand into twelve new markets was based on a number of relevant factors that included online shopping adoption rates, market size, and, most importantly, an increased demand from consumers. Since the start of the Company’s operations in 1999, Blue Nile has received repeated requests to ship to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Since the 2007 launch of the Company’s new U.K. website and the opening of its Dublin office, these requests have grown to include numerous countries throughout Europe.

Blue Nile’s international business has grown significantly since the Company initially launched in Canada and the U.K. The Company’s international sales accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2007, growing more than 150% year over year, throughout multiple categories including engagement, diamonds, pearls, and gemstone jewelry.

International growth will remain a priority for Blue Nile going forward, added Vadon. We are excited about introducing the Blue Nile brand into these twelve new markets and will look to this expansion as a basis for pursuing future opportunities as we build out our business overseas.

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