Over 150 Finnish companies applied to join Verkkokauppa.com – new site launching in September

In September 2020, Verkkokauppa.com will launch a new site dedicated exclusively to Finnish companies alongside its popular online store. The search culminates this Thursday in a pitching event where the most promising applicants will present their products directly to a Verkkokauppa.com panel and a live online audience.

Online shopping in Finland has accelerated over the past year – Verkkokauppa.com saw visitor numbers grow by nearly 20 percent between January and July 2020 alone. The company believes many consumers have permanently shifted their shopping online, encouraged by their experiences during the spring.

As Finland's most popular online store, Verkkokauppa.com wants to help domestic businesses stabilize their operations amidst the COVID-19 crisis. This is why the company is launching a new site dedicated solely to Finnish companies. Applications for Verkkokauppa.fi have been open throughout the summer for any domestic innovation.

“The results exceeded our expectations, with over 150 companies applying. The feedback from entrepreneurs was clear: many had been considering a digital sales channel, and this kind of initiative was exactly what was needed in the current situation. It was great to see that domestic companies trust us, and we are excited to showcase their products,” says Verkkokauppa.com CEO Panu Porkka.

Verkkokauppa.com aims to gather the most extensive and interesting selection of Finnish products for the new .fi site. These products will be showcased to Verkkokauppa.com’s visitors, who numbered over 70 million last year alone.

In addition to products found through the application process, the site will feature Finnish products already in Verkkokauppa.com’s selection, and the range will continue to expand actively.

The finalists have been selected – get to know these companies

In the final stage of the search that began this summer, 20 finalist companies must convince the Verkkokauppa.com panel that their products will win over Finnish consumers. Anyone can follow the event on Verkkokauppa.com’s Facebook and YouTube channels starting at 2:00 PM on August 27, 2020. The event will be hosted by Jussi Heikelä.

“This will be a historic event as we decide in front of an audience which companies will be featured on Verkkokauppa.fi. Domestic product innovations are currently at a very high level, and we are thrilled to add more of them to our selection. Once again, we are taking a leap toward something new and developing our product range with an open mind,” Porkka says.

Examples of companies applying for Verkkokauppa.fi:

• StepOne Tech: Converts traditional petrol cars or motorcycles to run on biofuel (Pirkkala)
• Supermaila Oy: Carbon fiber ice hockey sticks, often called the best in the world (Helsinki)
• Nordic 24/7 Services Oy: Designer cooling equipment for the beverage industry, favored by gamers (Espoo)
• Xortec: A water leak detector from a Finnish IoT pioneer (Lempäälä)
• EcoFurn: Garden and kitchen products based on ecological circular economy principles (Järvenpää)
• Seloy Live Oy: SHINE smart mirror (Huittinen)
• Pari Vesaa ja Masa Oy: Antimicrobial touch protection against impurities (Virrat)
• Nice Smile Oy: Ethical and ecological teeth whitening products for home use (Tampere)
• Aurora Nutrients Oy: A healthy energy drink alternative for gamers (Nokia)
• Brunberg: Treats from a chocolate factory celebrating its 150th anniversary next year (Porvoo)
• Neurosonic: Vibrating furniture for relaxation, better sleep, and comprehensive recovery (Oulu)
• Artome: Home theater systems integrated into furniture (Heinola)
• Teatiamo: Ecological designer sex toys (Rovaniemi)
• Lola&Lykke: Maternity support belts and breastfeeding products developed with healthcare professionals (Helsinki)
• Jalotakka: Finnish steel chimneys, outdoor grills, and summer kitchens (Kotka)
• PetHolic.Net: Biodegradable cat litter box (Kerava)
• The Good Guys: Organic kombucha, available ready-to-drink or as a home-brewing starter kit (Pirkkala)
• Desiot: Valopilleri – a designer lamp (Helsinki)
• Relax Saunavihta: An artificial sauna whisk made from recyclable materials (Suonenjoki)
• GoSleep: The Powernap Pod is a patented Finnish innovation where tired travelers can sleep and relax at airports worldwide. These pods are now also available for organizations that want to take better care of their staff's stamina, well-being, and happiness. (Pieksämäki)

Additional information
press@verkkokauppa.com (Ulkoinen palvelu)

Verkkokauppa.com
Verkkokauppa.com is Finland's leading online retailer, offering a wide range of products from home technology to leisure and business needs. Operating since 1992, the company is one of the world's oldest online retailers, combining e-commerce and physical stores into a seamless omnichannel customer experience. Verkkokauppa.com's four megastores are located in Oulu, Pirkkala, Raisio, and Helsinki's Jätkäsaari district. To deliver an exceptional customer experience, the company delivers products to your door in as little as one hour, around the clock, using automation and robotics. Verkkokauppa.com employs approximately 600 people, and the company's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.