Chat app Line experiments with e-commerce, as it prepares for an IPO

Jul16

by Sindy Cator on July 16, 2014 at 6:17 am

Line is not just a messaging app. At the same time as it confirmed that it is applying for a long-rumored IPO, that could value it at $10 billion, an app called Line Shop has surfaced in Thailand which speaks of its e-commerce ambitions. The company’s previous commerce-led pilots have included flash sales — it has rolled out efforts in Thailand and Taiwan, its two strongest overseas markets — and a consumer-to-consumer marketplace app in Japan. Now, with Line Shop, it is offering a brand-to-consumer experience that is initially only available in Thailand. Line Shop is a standalone Android and iOS app that connects users with a range…