Argos, one of the United Kingdom’s largest multichannel retailers, has launched its curated online marketplace to expand its product range and meet more of customers’ shopping needs through a single platform. While products from approximately 80 “Trusted Sellers” have been made available on the new platform, companies outside the United Kingdom will also be able to apply to become sellers.

Selective Seller Model on the Argos Marketplace

The new marketplace will not operate as an open and unregulated platform that all sellers can join directly. The company will evaluate sellers and products based on quality, product safety, and customer trust criteria. After the applications are reviewed, companies deemed suitable in terms of the contribution they can make to the platform will be contacted regarding the next steps.

The seller application form requests information such as company details, annual turnover, product categories, the number of products planned to be offered for sale, average delivery time, and whether orders will be shipped from warehouses in the United Kingdom. Although shipping from a local warehouse is not stated as an official requirement, it is among the criteria that may be taken into consideration during the selection process.

Scalable E-Commerce Model with Mirakl Infrastructure

The marketplace’s technology infrastructure is powered by global marketplace software provider Mirakl. The system allows third-party sellers to list their products through the retailer’s website and mobile application. In addition to expanding product variety in its existing categories, Argos also plans to enter complementary new categories.

The company’s website receives more than 1 billion visits annually and offers more than 60,000 products. It was reported that approximately half of households in the United Kingdom shop from the brand every year, while its website is the third most visited retail platform in the country.

Artificial Intelligence, Personalization, and Delivery Investments

The new marketplace forms part of the company’s multi-year digital transformation program. As part of the program, investments are being made in artificial intelligence, personalization, the mobile application, automation, digital payment systems, and delivery services. The capacity of the mobile application is targeted to be nearly doubled by the end of the year.

The company is also considering integrating its Fast Track delivery and Click & Collect network into the marketplace model. These services currently reach more than 90% of United Kingdom postcodes seven days a week. General Manager Graham Biggart said that customers want more choice, convenience, and secure shopping, and stated that the new platform would respond to these expectations. With its new model, Argos will compete with marketplaces such as Amazon, OnBuy, and JoyBuy. (Argos)