It’s a busy day in the Canadian retail space. Not only did Amazon.ca today launch its new Wearable Technology Store but Best Buy Canada announced the upcoming launch its Best Buy Canada Marketplace. The retailer will partner with third party retailers and allow them to sell their goods through its omni-channel platform while they “maintain their own distinct voice, their own brand identity and a customized, transactional storefront on BestBuy.ca.”
“While we’re excited to partner with other Canadian retailers on Marketplace, we’re even more excited to continue innovating in the online space to provide our customers with an unparalleled experience,” said Hay-Sabourin. “We want to continue to bring the greatest assortment of products to our customers, and help retailers succeed, which is why are inviting other Canadian retailers to join us on our online Marketplace and enjoy our world-class eCommerce capabilities.”
In exchange for an undisclosed commission fee, Best Buy Marketplace will offer third-party retailers the following advantages over running their own online stores:
- Quick setup – your products can be added to our catalogue and be ready to sell within days
- Manage your products directly through a simple and easy-to-use interface
- Best-in-class web merchandising and content
- Leading fraud prevention solution
- User generated content: forums, product reviews, and more
- Multi-device platform: Desktop, Mobile, iPhone and Android apps
- Great search engine capability
- Top SEO authority: better Google rank for your products
Similar online retail models are offered by Amazon and Shopify to name just two competitors.
Best Buy also announced that a new Ship-from-store program will “unlock inventory previously confined to Best Buy stores, allowing customers shopping online greater access to a selection of items.” It could reduce ‘Out of Stock’ issues by using store inventories to fulfill online orders.
These new initiatives are part of a two-year investment of up to CA$200 million in Best Buy stores and BestBuy.ca.
Sources : Best Buy Marketplace // Best Buy