Eight Retailers Launch Online Marketplaces
The Ultimate UK E-commerce Vendor Network
- May 31, 2023
Marketplaces are taking the retail world by storm, and traditional retailers are eagerly jumping on board to ride the wave of success. It’s no wonder that marketplaces have become the go-to strategy for expanding product offerings and capturing consumer attention.
According to a report by OC&C Strategy Consultants, the online marketplace model is set to grow by a whopping 15% annually. This marks the most significant shift in consumer spending since the dawn of e-commerce in the 1990s. In fact, industry experts predict that leading online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay will surpass the majority of e-commerce outlets in terms of spending by 2025. The competition is fierce, and retailers are stepping up their game to meet the growing demand for more choices.
Let’s dive into some exciting examples of retailers who have launched their own marketplaces to tap into this consumer desire for variety.
Unbound Group
Unbound Group is one of the trailblazers in this retail revolution. As the owner of Hotter Shoes, they are leveraging the brand’s digital strengths, customer loyalty, and robust database to launch a marketplace tailored to their 55-plus customer base. With a carefully curated selection of fashion and lifestyle brands, Unbound aims to cater to the unique needs of this age group. Starting with footwear and clothing, they have plans to expand into wellness products.
Mountain Warehouse
Mountain Warehouse, the renowned outdoor clothing and equipment retailer, has also joined the marketplace bandwagon. Recognizing the need to provide customers with a broader range of options, they have created an online marketplace serving as a one-stop-shop for all things outdoor. With an impressive lineup of top brands like Nike, Slazenger, and Canterbury, Mountain Warehouse is giving outdoor enthusiasts unparalleled choices. They are actively seeking new brands within the sector to enhance their marketplace even further.
Farfetch Beauty
Luxury fashion platform Farfetch has expanded its reach beyond fashion into the world of makeup with the launch of Farfetch Beauty. This beauty marketplace features over 100 different brands, including established luxury names like Chanel and indie darlings like Off-White™. By merging fashion and beauty, Farfetch aims to offer a unique and captivating experience for their fashion-forward audience.
Superdrug
Superdrug, the well-known health and beauty retailer, launched a marketplace in September. By partnering with hundreds of brands, from premium to start-ups, Superdrug Marketplace will offer customers an extensive array of products. The marketplace aims to support brands without a national retail presence, enabling them to reach a wider audience. With a focus on diversity and inclusivity, Superdrug is committed to featuring black-owned brands and amplifying underrepresented voices.
B&Q
B&Q, the beloved DIY retailer, has recently ventured into the online marketplace space. With the goal of becoming a one-stop-shop for all your home needs, B&Q’s marketplace is expanding its offerings in key categories such as lighting, power tools, and wallpaper. They have already partnered with 17 third-party sellers, including well-known brands like Black & Decker and Breville. B&Q aims to offer an impressive 100,000 new products within six months, cementing its position as a leading home improvement destination.
YOOX
Yoox, a prominent online fashion retailer, has transformed its business model by launching Yoox Marketplace in Europe. This move allows customers to access a wider assortment of products across various categories, including jewellery, ready-to-wear, accessories, and footwear. By transitioning to a hybrid operating model, Yoox aims to enhance the customer experience and expand its brand and product offerings.
Debenhams
Debenhams, the iconic British department store, has undergone a major transformation since being acquired by Boohoo. They have launched an online marketplace featuring an impressive 70,000 products, making it the UK’s largest selection of fashion.
“With the launch of this marketplace, we are evolving the Debenhams brand to stay ahead of the demands of the current digital-first world of commerce,” Boohoo chief information officer Jo Graham said at the time of its launch.
Mr Porter
Last August, the fashion world was rocked by the exhilarating launch of Super Mart, a game-changing marketplace by the online luxury menswear retailer, Mr Porter. This standalone on-site extravaganza takes the concept of shopping to a whole new level, offering a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products from a diverse range of brands.
Step into this sartorial wonderland and prepare to be amazed by the meticulously crafted edit from 29 global labels. With over 330 products to explore, Super Mart promises an exhilarating journey through the realms of contemporary fashion. From ready-to-wear masterpieces to must-have accessories and lifestyle essentials, this marketplace is a treasure trove of style.
“We are excited to launch Super Mart, a first-of-its-kind project – it’s been fantastic for us to work on a large multi-brand collection that champions diverse contemporary product from both established and cult brands; many of which have loyal fan bases but not been available on a global scale before,” said Mr Porter buying director Sam Kershaw.
To launch your own marketplace using the SuperStore platform get in touch