Barclays Bank is to export its online banking services to the Web site of UK high street retailer Mothercare in an initiative to provide a tailored financial channel for families and expectant mothers.
Under the agreement, Barclays is to create and sponsor 'Family Finance' a specific section on Mothercare.com that will go live by the end of 2000. This is the first time Barclays has taken its brand and financial services onto another major retailer’s Web site to reach new customers.
Initially the site will provide tailored financial content followed by a series of products such as savings, Woolwich mortgages, loans and travel insurance which will be available directly online in 2001. Barclays says it will continue to use the feedback from Mothercare.com customers to extend and tailor the range of services it can provide in the future.
Ian Richardson, e-commerce director at Barclays, says: "By opening up a new channel and bringing financial services and content onto Mothercare.com, Barclays and Mothercare will help make it easy and convenient for people to plan their family’s financial future. We look forward to working with Mothercare to exploit the potential between two great brands that are committed to an integrated 'clicks and mortar' business."
Content for the new financial channel will initially consist of a series of articles that explore the financial impact of having a baby and highlight the importance of financial planning for families and expectant parents.