Frooly launches to provide independent merchants with window to local customers online

Frooly launches to provide independent merchants with window to local customers online

Following a successful beta period frooly, the local online marketplace, launched this week. Its aim is to provide independent merchants with an online space that allows them to reach their local communities on a city-by-city basis.

As no one understands local and regional markets better than this type of retailer, frooly has been designed to provide a platform for both independent traders, and people who want to support their local industries.

Rapid growth across the UK

During its beta period, frooly said it added more than 1,000 stores to its online roster across the UK, attracted 25,000 unique users a month, and achieved an average value of £27 per transaction. It is aiming to become the first destination for those who want to stay local and shop local.

The platform allows independent retailers and traders to set up their own free, customised, online shops to sell their goods direct to local audiences. The site designed to be quick and easy to use, allowing the best independent traders to instantly reach a responsive, engaged local audience. It touts no need for big budgets or hours of overtime – frooly wants to make life for independent traders as hassle-free as possible, according to the company.

Founded in Sheffield, by Michael Ord and Gemma Baldan, the digital marketplace has expanded city by city and is now reaching out to retailers nationwide. In recent weeks, frooly has reported doubled sales figures for its online stores.

Pioneering new local focus

Ord said: “We’re delighted about coming out of beta and finally going live. It’s been a lot of hard work and effort, but it’s definitely worth it and we hope we can do something for local industries that hasn’t been done before.

“We want to provide local retailers with the best possible platform to launch their business and reach their public as easily and efficiently as possible. Right now we have nearly 1,100 online stores and we’re looking to increase that number to at least 10,000 by October.”

Frooly is available nationwide and already has bespoke city-by-city marketplaces featuring the best products for each area nationwide.