A new e-marketplace has been launched to facilitate online trading and networking in the gift and homewares industry.
The Australian Gift and Homewares Association (AGHA) has launched VENDe, which is designed to make it easier for retailers to find, purchase and have new stock delivered.
According to AGHA online product co-ordinator Chris Tredwell, VENDe will replace existing online trade portal SupplierHaven.
“With VENDe we’ve aimed to create an altogether more flexible and inclusive e-marketplace model.”
New features will be added to the site over time to make it a one-stop resource for buyers and sellers to network and grow their business.
“We want to make the VENDe experience about more than just simple and secure online trading.”
“We want people to be visiting the site on a daily basis, not just to buy and sell stock, but to chat with others in the gift and homewares industry and find inspiration, ideas and advice,” Tredwell added.
SupplierHaven currently has over 100 live sites and 5000 regular retail buyers and AGHA are anticipating this will increase thanks to new online trading portal.
According to AGHA CEO David Leek the new site is responding to the ‘explosion’ of online shopping in Australia.
“We are committed to helping business owners navigate this new world and we hope the launch of VENDe will encourage them to embrace the opportunities that online affords.”