Online platform Trouva, launched in 2015 to support and promote independent retailers, both in the UK and Europe, has been sold to furniture retailer Made.com for an undisclosed sum.
Independent cookshops and housewares stockists featured on the platform include Kooks Unlimited in Richmond, The Kitchen Shop in Lichfield, Papyrus in Glasgow, Quince & Cook in Perth, Peppercorn inLlandeilo and Seasons Cookshop in North London.
Following the acquisition, Trouva will continue to operate as a standalone brand led by the current leadership team, with the integration of Trouva led by Made chief technology officer Geert Engels.
“This acquisition brings with it an experienced and talented team, a sector-leading technology platform and excellently procured choices of homewares product that will resonate with the Made target customer,” said Nicola Thompson, chief executive of Made.
“Trouva’s assortment complements Made’s design-led homeware and home proposition superbly and is a great strategic fit for Made as we continue to enhance our marketplace offer. This acquisition will allow us to significantly accelerate our growth strategy by expanding our curated product range – giving our customers more choice and newness – and scaling the business in key territories both established and targeted by leveraging Trouva’s exceptional cross-border technology.”
Alex Loizou, co-founder and ceo of Trouva commented: The combination of the two businesses enables us to leverage synergies across our brands, customers and our technology platform. By becoming part of the Made group, we will continue on our mission to support independent boutiques and brands by making their curation accessible. We look forward to continuing growing Trouva’s marketplace offer while extending the range of curated products available to the Made customer.”
Top: Kitchen & Dining is one of the retail sectors covered by Trouva.
