easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou (pictured right) is taking on Amazon with the launch of easyShop.com.
The new multi-category marketplace has launched across 21 European countries.
Retailers can reach shoppers in their choice of 21 markets through one account, with VAT calculated automatically. They do not need to establish a company in every country, which opens international expansion to businesses that may previously have found the cost and complexity of local operations a barrier.
Unlike retail-led marketplaces, easyShop does not hold stock, sell own-label products or compete with the businesses using its platform. Every product belongs to a retailer, and every customer order generates a sale for a retailer.
“Competition is good for consumers and it’s good for businesses. No market benefits when everyone feels they have only one place to go,” said Sir Stelios.
“easyShop brings together the values the easy brand has always stood for, simplicity, value and choice, with a marketplace model that’s designed to help retailers grow rather than compete against them. I believe there is plenty of room for a fresh approach to online shopping.”
Hundreds of retailers are already trading on easyShop following a phased rollout of its local sites. With Black Friday and Christmas approaching, the marketplace is now inviting more UK, European and international sellers to join, expand their reach and capitalise on the busiest trading period of the year.
easyShop is powered and operated by OnCommerce, the marketplace technology business behind OnBuy and the soon-to-launch Comet marketplace.
“Too many retailers are building their business on a platform that’s also their biggest competitor. We think that’s wrong. easyShop will never sell against the businesses that sell with it,” said Cas Paton (left), founder & CEO of OnCommerce.
“The easy brand has spent 30 years taking on the establishment and winning. Now we’re taking on the giants of online shopping, and we’re doing it on the side of sellers, to give them the fair deal they’ve been missing for too long.”
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