siopa.com Launches Virtual Marketplace for Specialty Irish Goods and Unique Products From Ireland's Emerging Artisans

DUBLIN, IRELAND and NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 12, 2011) - At a launch event today in Dublin, Ireland's Prime Minister (An Taoiseach) Enda Kenny, T.D. got a personal preview of siopa.com, a new virtual marketplace for specialty Irish goods. The portal was rolled out simultaneously in the US. It was created specifically for customers in overseas markets, especially those with a large Irish Diaspora like the US. Now, in one single attractive location, customers can purchase well-known Irish brands like Waterford Crystal, Belleek and Galway Crystal, along with unique products from Ireland's up-and-coming artisans. Named after the Gaelic term for "shop," the portal is the brainchild of Lulu O'Sullivan, Ireland's earliest pioneer of online gift-buying. Today, O'Sullivan is applying the same award-winning expertise to build an Irish-owned store with an unlimited global footprint that carries the broadest array of traditional Irish products.

Unique to siopa.com is its focus on harnessing Ireland's vast reservoir of fresh artistic talent. With a keen eye for authenticity and quality, the siopa.com buyers comb the country to uncover distinctive offerings with global appeal. From jewelry and pottery to clothing and decorative items, siopa.com's range of products is rich and diverse. This sourcing strategy gives customers access to truly unique products, while also offering a reliable sales channel for Ireland's up-and-coming artisans. One of the latest products is a range of special-edition Celtic-inspired jewelry to commemorate President Obama's upcoming visit to Ireland.

The efforts of the siopa.com team are supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI), the government organization responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. According to EI's Director, North America, Gerry Murphy, "The siopa.com team is not simply building a high-potential business and boosting export opportunities for popular brands; they're also creating a model that enables business success for Ireland's artisans by providing a route to international markets. It is ambitious entrepreneurs like Lulu that are creating jobs and fueling export growth for Ireland -- especially exports to the US which saw a 14 percent increase last year. We wish them much success."

"The global appetite for beautiful Irish goods has always been strong, but today, with the Irish Diaspora more widespread than ever, demand is on the rise," said siopa.com CEO, O'Sullivan. "Moreover, customers are more discerning and there's great interest in discovering the unique, unusual and exclusive. At siopa.com we're tapping into that trend by identifying and offering highest quality goods -- many that can't be found anywhere else."

The siopa.com virtual marketplace is supported by a sophisticated infrastructure that makes the buying experience convenient and enjoyable. Customer-centric features include all options necessary to expedite purchases, with online tracking available to ensure smooth delivery. Goods are expertly packaged for safety.

To learn more about siopa.com, please visit www.siopa.com.
To learn more about Enterprise Ireland, please visit www.enterprise-ireland.com.