Otto-owned Quelle, the Germany-based general merchandiser, has
relaunched as an online marketplace enabling retailers and
manufacturers to sell their consumer electronics and homewares
directly to customers. Quelle will handle payment processing and
customer services and customers are billed via a single shopping
cart. Using a direct-despatch model, the retailers will be
responsible for shipping. In the year ending 28th February 2011,
online revenue at Otto grew by 25 per cent from €3.8 billion
($5.3 billion, £3.7 billion) to €4.8 billion ($6.6
billion, £4.2 billion) worldwide.
In a similar move, US electricals retailer Best Buy is allowing
third-party retailers to sell their products through the site as
a way to broaden its range. Among the first retailers to set up
shop on Best Buy is general merchandiser Buy.com. Brian Dunn,
Best Buy’s chief executive, said in a statement that the
marketplace will encourage “additional reasons to visit and
purchase at BestBuy.com”. In addition to the marketplace,
Best Buy will also add 33 per cent more products to its core range
in the run up to the festive season.
In the UK, fashion etailer ASOS tapped into the marketplace
concept last year. It unveiled the ASOS Marketplace in November
2010 as a place for individuals and independent boutiques to buy
and sell clothes.
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