Rakuten’s Play.com has announced the launch of Rakuten Marketplace, a merchant retail offering allowing retailers to created branded e-shops within the Play.com website.
A team of e-commerce consultants (ECCs) will be on hand to support merchants listing on the Rakuten Marketplace and will assist with optimising online sales; from shop front design and e-marketing, to interpreting customer analytics.
The marketplace features a ‘Superpoints’ loyalty scheme to which will allow retailers to reward and incentivise customers, by running promotional campaigns for shoppers. Customers that shop with a merchant will also be able to ‘sign up’ with the retailer to receive updates on the latest products and offers. The RakutenMail tool also means merchants can engage in direct communications with their customer base.
Adam Stewart, marketing director at Rakuten’s Play.com, commented: “Competition online is fierce. Whatever a retailer’s size, it’s crucial that they are armed with the tools to create a shopping experience that offers customers more than just the lowest price tag.
“Rather than competing with our merchant, at Rakuten’s Play.com we want to create lasting partnerships and help them maximise sales through the platform – it’s win, win, win.”