EasyShop launches marketplace across Europe

EasyGroup has launched EasyShop, a new online marketplace that now operates across 21 European countries.

The business is entering a market that has become increasingly dominated by a small number of major marketplace operators. EasyShop is positioning itself as an alternative option for both retailers and shoppers.

The company says the platform is built around three principles: value, simplicity and reward.

A key part of the model is that EasyShop will not hold stock, sell its own products or compete directly with the retailers and brands using the platform. Instead, it will focus on providing a marketplace where third-party sellers can trade and grow their businesses.

This approach addresses a concern that some retailers have raised about marketplace platforms that act as both host and retailer. EasyShop says its model is designed to remove that conflict and give sellers greater confidence when using the platform.

The launch has the backing of Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of the Easy family of brands. He believes there is room for more choice within online shopping and that greater competition can benefit both consumers and businesses.

According to the company, hundreds of retailers are already trading on EasyShop following a phased rollout in local markets. The business is now encouraging more UK, European and international sellers to join the platform ahead of the Christmas trading period.

The technology behind EasyShop has been developed by the team behind OnBuy. The platform is operated by OnCommerce, which has promoted a seller-focused marketplace model.

The launch comes at a time when many retailers are looking to expand their sales channels. As competition for online traffic remains strong and customer acquisition costs continue to rise, businesses are increasingly interested in alternative marketplaces that can help them reach new customers.

At RHR, we see the arrival of EasyShop as another sign that ecommerce continues to evolve. Retailers are looking for more control over how they sell, stronger commercial partnerships and new ways to connect with shoppers. While established marketplace operators remain major players, the launch of another large-scale platform gives retailers and brands an additional route to market.

What this means for hiring. As marketplace platforms grow, they can create demand for ecommerce, digital trading, online merchandising, digital marketing, marketplace management and partnership roles. Retailers expanding onto new sales channels may also need people to support and manage those operations.