The rise of the online platform powerhouse – beat ’em or join ’em?

By Gemma Goldfingle2019-09-26T06:00:00

Retail is increasingly being dominated by online platform businesses with Next the latest retailer to state its platform ambitions. Where do single-brand retailers stand in this new world?

Alibaba, Amazon, Apple… Next?

It might sound odd, but Next boss Lord Wolfson wants middle England’s favourite fashion retailer to become a platform business – an online destination that sells a multitude of brands.

But if you look below the bonnet, there’s evidence Next has already made big strides towards that aim.

Next now sells hundreds of third-party products alongside its own

The retailer has “radically changed” how it does business to create a £500m online aggregator business that sells hundreds of third-party brands alongside its own.

Subscription content

Please sign in now if you have a subscription or are already registered with us.

Register for free to continue reading

Retail-Week.com provides premium, in-depth intelligence that helps retailers judge risks, spot opportunities and identify what they need to do to win in the digital economy.

Two free article views per calendar month on Retail-Week.com
Detailed analysis of current trends and events
Exclusive newsletters
In-depth reports, videos, interviews and much more

Discover Retail Week register now

Please note, if you have recently purchased a subscription, it may take a few moments before your account is updated.