Shoptility aims to take the strain out of holiday search

A new shopping platform has launched aimed at taking the hassle out finding that perfect holiday.

A new shopping platform has launched aimed at taking the hassle out finding that perfect holiday.

Shoptility has initially gone live in beta, with travel brands such as Cox & Kings, Fred. Olsen Travel, James Villas and niche suppliers like Snow Finders, Regal Dive and Pure Safari.

It has raised almost £2 million in funding, has more than 200 retail partners signed-up with one said to have made more than £60,000 through the service prior to consumer launch.

The platform will expand into other categories such as home and garden, electricals and wine in the coming months.

The site was founded by entrepreneur Will Lownsbrough, formerly managing director of fast-growth market intelligence business Vizzihome,

He said Shoptility will dramatically reduce the time people spend searching for products online by putting consumers and retailers in direct contact.

“Online shopping is enjoying double digit growth but we believe there is an opportunity to change the experience for consumers and retailers alike.

“Consumers in today’s connected world are more demanding than ever, and we know from the huge amount of research that exists that they want a greater level of customer service and personalisation.

“What we’re doing is completely different to anything else at the moment. We reverse the method of search, with the retailer doing the searching on behalf of the shopper.

“They have the product knowledge and are best placed to provide the shopper with exactly what they are looking for, leaving the shopper to sit back and relax.

“As for retailers, they recognise that the future of online shopping is not only driven by competitive pricing but by one-to-one customer relationships, which help build loyalty and brand advocacy.

“This is online shopping at its best – faster, easier, more personal and more meaningful than ever before, for both customer and product owner.”

Through Shoptility consumers can contact multiple retailers with a single, simple message outlining their requirements.

Shoptility says it will generate leads and level the playing field, giving brands with niche specialists the same opportunity as major household brands to connect with consumers.

The one-to-one contact means firms can provide an individual response rather than a generic response, added Shoptility.