Best Buy Canada today announced that its Marketplace e-commerce platform, which sells various merchandise from other third-party online retailers, will launch in Canada this year. The initiative first launched in Best Buy stores across the United States in 2011.
In launching Marketplace, Best Buy is taking direct aim at the likes of Amazon Canada and eBay. The company has 192 locations across Canada and one of the features of the service, apart from direct shipping, is offering in-store pick-ups and returns.
Thierry Hay-Sabourin, vice president of eCommerce for Best Buy Canada, said, “While we’re excited to partner with other Canadian retailers on Marketplace, we’re even more excited to continue innovating in the online space to provide our customers with an unparalleled experience. We want to continue to bring the greatest assortment of products to our customers, and help retailers succeed, which is why are inviting other Canadian retailers to join us on our online Marketplace and enjoy our world-class eCommerce capabilities.”
The service will launch before the 2015 holiday season. The company is not saying exactly how its commission structure will work, only that it is competitive with other services in the category. Amazon Canada’s commissions range from 6 to 25 per cent. The big box retailer notes that “transactions are paid through Electronic Funds Transfer within 10 days of being confirmed as shipped by sellers.”
