Canadian e-commerce giant Shopify will launch its first Oceania remote hub in Wellington this year.

The company, which is valued at around $US16 billion, has announced its New Zealand presence, where it already has thousands of merchants.

Shopify’s software allows businesses to sell through multiple channels, including online and physical spaces, on one platform.

Like its employees outside of Oceania, the planned 100 employees in New Zealand will work remotely. Shopify expects to launch in Wellington as early as August 13.

Global support director Marcie Murray tells NBR the move will help “cultivate the entrepreneur community building on Shopify in New Zealand.”

She says she visited several cities in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year but settled on Wellington because its population size, city layout and investment from other businesses were "just right."

The product offering for New Zealand merchants will be unchanged but Ms Murray says the localised team will help improve relationships with Shopify.

Shopify largely targets SMEs and has 600,000 merchants in more than 175 countries around the world.

Its New Zealand merchants include Walker & Hall, Good as Gold, Caughley, The Brand Outlet and Mojo Coffee.

Shopify worked with the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency before deciding to establish itself in the capital.

In a statement, Mayor Justin Lester says the investment is a testament to Wellington's talent pool.

Shopify says its base in New Zealand has increased almost 50% from 2016 to 2017.

Its shares last traded at $US158.98 on the New York Stock Exchange.

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