Marketplaces

To sell or not to sell on marketplaces? That’s the tough question many small and midsized businesses (SMBs) are asking themselves. Maybe it’s something you’re considering, too. On one hand, third-party online marketplaces offer a powerful way to reach millions of potential customers. In fact, over 60 percent of sales on Amazon.com's store come from…

Despite all the positive momentum these past few years with third-party marketplaces, brands encounter many challenges when working with these platforms — from meeting complex onboarding guidelines to integrating APIs to cataloging data in real time. Brands also have much to lose if they partner with the wrong platform. The obvious loss is time and…

In episode 462 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Lauren Benton, general manager, U.S. at Back Market, a verified refurbished technology marketplace. Listen in as Benton provides an overview of the business (1:00), its process for sourcing quality used devices (1:55), and Back Market's first Impact Report showcasing its sustainability efforts (3:55). She…

There’s no denying the grip Amazon.com has on consumers. Amazon is reported to account for nearly 50 percent of all e-commerce sales in the U.S. as of 2023. To put it in perspective, Amazon gets one of every two dollars spent in e-commerce at large. This cannot be understated. Brands at all levels — low-margin,…

This week marks the 10th Amazon Prime Day, a major milestone for both Amazon.com and independent sellers that sell on its marketplace. Amazon’s significant investments in marketing, merchandising, operational infrastructure, and people that drive independent seller success result in an end-to-end experience that boosts sales for small businesses. In fact, Prime Day 2023 was the…

Third-party commerce (3P) is growing. U.S. retail e-commerce sales will grow to $588 billion by 2027, with online marketplaces accounting for nearly 40 percent of those gains, according to eMarketer. 3P commerce allows brands to reach consumers directly through retailer marketplaces. However, it can be difficult for brands to effectively manage their presence across multiple…

The American dream of small business ownership faces a harsh reality: bankruptcies are rising. This past year saw a staggering 22 percent increase in Chapter 11 filings. Higher interest rates, inflation, and increased shipping costs have taken a toll on many segments of the economy. Brands and vendors on leading marketplaces are not immune to these…

Nordstrom announced earlier this week that it will roll out a new digital marketplace on its website along with an enhanced search feature. The marketplace will provide the luxury retailer’s customers with a wider selection of products, brands and sizes, while allowing its brand partners to showcase more of their products, Nordstrom said in a blog post.…

In episode 449 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews John Agnew, chief marketing officer at Love.com, an online marketplace focused on sustainable, healthy products and charitable giving. Listen in as Agnew provides an overview of the company (0:55), discusses the conscious shopping trend (1:40), the consumer behaviors Love.com is trying to tap into…

While at NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show in New York City this week, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan spoke with Michael Challinger, CEO of Houzer, an emerging kitchen and bathroom product company, to learn more about the brand's partnership with commerce platform BigCommerce. Challinger discusses transforming the Houzer digital business after joining the company as CEO, why…