E-commerce platform for independent retail launches

Retaissance, a new global platform for independent brands and buyers, is set to unveil its soft launch this week. Independent brands will be able to use Retaissance to build a “comprehensive” online profile, which highlights their key features and brand values. It can also showcase a chosen selection of standout products and collections, alongside in-depth details for potential wholesale partners across the globe. The site also allows brands to host essential buyer resources, and consolidate lookbooks, line sheets and product catalogues. Retaissance was built upon a bespoke platform, and is designed specifically for brands and buyers, offering an “experience tailored to the retail ecosystem”. The platform aims to support both ends of the supply chain, with additional features to be added in future updates. The platform will enter its ‘soft launch’ stage this week, when brands will be able to sign up and prepare their profiles. Buyers can also apply to join before its full launch in the first week of August. Shortly after its launch, the site will feature a community framework entitled ‘The Lounge’, which aims to “create more opportunities for members to meet and trade”, and bring together retail news, forecasts and contributions from industry-leading figures, influencers and partner publications across the fashion, jewellery and home and gift retail sectors. While the service is free to buyers, it is available to brands for a small monthly subscription. Cathie Osborne, founder and owner of Retaissance said: “Wholesale models are changing across Retail, low MOQ’s, short order, ‘never out of stock’ and ‘in season, stock available’ models will be in greater demand. “Retail buyers in all categories have lost resources and have increasingly difficult targets to meet and need to find the ‘next big thing’ efficiently and repeatedly. People’s lives have changed and this will prompt changes in their approach to purchasing.” She added: “Communities have rediscovered local, and this renewed sense of community and desire to support local businesses will see the consumer re-look at independents. “Retaissance aims to be more than a network, we’ll be supporting independent businesses to help them navigate the changes to buying cycles, sustainability, global market expectations and consumer behaviour during these turbulent times.”