ASOS launches digital marketplace
06 December 2010 10:31
ASOS has launched ASOS Marketplace, a new digital platform where boutiques, vintage collectors, individuals and designers – established or undiscovered – can open virtual stores to sell fashion to the world.
Built as a "fashion democracy" created and controlled by users, all sellers, regardless of size will be encouraged to photograph their items, telling the stories behind them and passing them on for sale to other fashion enthusiasts.
Customers putting their clothes up for sale online will also be given advice from ASOS's team on how to display their items to maximise selling potential.
Boutiques wishing to host a virtual stall will be subject to a selective acceptance process, resulting in the most successful applicants collectively forming the first 100 Marketplace boutiques, and being supported with optional business mentorship from ASOS. Browns Focus has been confirmed as one of the initial signings.
A 10% selling fee will apply to individuals for each item sold, with no listing fees or pricing menus. Those who successfully apply for a boutique will pay £50 per month (which includes an account manager at ASOS, ability to customise their store front and some premium on Marketplace) and a 15% fee on each sale.
Caren Downie, womenswear buying director at ASOS, said: "Marketplace is an exciting addition to ASOS. It allows us to extend our offer and enables our customers to discover even more fashion online. Through Marketplace we can offer another level of support to emerging designers where they can access two million customers worldwide. Similarly, selected boutiques, vintage collectors and individual sellers will also be able to reach a much wider audience of fashion lovers. It fits perfectly into our creation of an online fashion destination. Interest from applicants has been very strong, and we are looking forward to seeing our customers' reaction."
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