Kingfisher renews tech partnership with Virtualstock for retail success

Kingfisher, the international home improvement retailer renowned for its commitment to innovation and customer-centred solutions, will renew its technology partnership with Virtualstock, Europe's largest dropshipping and curated marketplace SaaS platform. This significant collaboration in the retail sector is set to continue for the next three years after Kingfisher recognised the value and effectiveness of Virtualstock's technology in driving success within the homeware retail sector.

Virtualstock's technology underpins operations at over 1,100 B&Q stores in eight European countries. This renewal signifies a continued dedication to enhancing operational efficiency, delivering an unparalleled customer experience, and swiftly scaling B&Q's online offering. As such, the introduction of new products, ranges, and markets can be achieved without the need for internal IT involvement or significant architectural changes.

Paul White, Commercial Director at B&Q, said, "Virtualstock technology wraps around our existing IT infrastructure enabling us to scale our online offer at pace, introducing new products, ranges, and markets."

White also commented on the benefits of the dropship model, stating that it "enables us to build a broad portfolio of products, giving our customers both choice and accessibility." This comes as part of the renewed partnership that White is eagerly anticipating, expressing that they look forward to "continuing to work in partnership with Virtualstock as we continue to expand our offer and grow our online business."

Virtualstock also expressed their delight at renewing the strategic partnership with Kingfisher plc for another three years. "B&Q have selected Virtualstock as its platform of choice to extend online product ranges, offering customers more choice and driving revenue," commented a spokesperson from the company. They highlighted the consultative and flexible approach Virtualstock takes, which has "enabled B&Q to expand its dropship channel without the requirement for internal IT involvement or architectural changes." Virtualstock's dropship channel allows B&Q to maintain control over its range and provide an exceptional customer experience.

Ed Bradley, CEO of Virtualstock, shared several insights on the role of dropshipping marketplace management software in strengthening retailers' competitiveness. Improved visibility over order processing and delivery times for retailers and a scalable model were among the clear benefits of using this technology. In addition, it eliminates upfront inventory costs as retailers no longer need to purchase and store stock in its traditional sense. He also pointed out that a centralised management system can mitigate supply chain delays and further enhance customers' experience.

The renewal of Kingfisher's technology partnership with Virtualstock underscores the retailer's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the home improvement sector. Through Virtualstock's dropshipping and curated marketplace platform, B&Q stores across Europe can efficiently scale their online offerings, introduce new products, and enhance the overall shopping experience without significant IT involvement. This collaboration highlights the pivotal role of technology in driving operational efficiency and maintaining a competitive edge in the retail landscape.