Delivery and Second Hand: The Transformation of Retailers

As commerce continues to evolve, some long-standing players in the sector have managed to reinvent themselves as essential e-commerce sites. Big names like IKEA, Darty, Decathlon, and Gautier have succeeded in this transformation by responding to the demands of the second-hand market and integrating delivery as a key element of their success. In this article, we retrace the journeys of these players and the growing importance of second-hand in their development.

IKEA – The Global Leader in Flat-Pack Furniture

Founded in 1943, IKEA is now an undisputed reference in the furniture sector. Thanks to its e-commerce site, IKEA offers more than 9,500 products and records over 4.3 billion visits to its site each year. By integrating delivery as a crucial step in their offering, IKEA has managed to expand its reach and attract new customers. Without robust delivery logistics, the development of their marketplace on a global scale would have been impossible.

Since 2014, IKEA has offered dedicated second-hand spaces in its stores. Customers can resell their IKEA furniture and accessories. These are then made available for reservation in the brand’s Second Life area. However, for now, delivery of second-hand products is not yet offered. The next logistical challenge?

Darty – Consumer Electronics at Your Fingertips

Founded in 1957, Darty quickly established itself as a leader in consumer electronics. By turning to online commerce, Darty managed to capture a significant share of the market. In 2016, Darty partnered with another very popular brand in the sector. Together, they created the Fnac Darty group and committed to informed and sustainable consumption. The Fnac Darty group now records more than 23 million unique visitors per month and benefits from a global network of nearly 1,000 stores.

Since 2021, Darty has continued to innovate, first by launching its own repairability index. Then came its “second life” offer, ranging from second-hand fridges to refurbished computers. Darty offers eco-responsible purchases of products that are tested, verified, and delivered directly to your home. A well-kept promise of trust!

Decathlon – Making Sport Accessible to All

Since its creation in 1976, Decathlon has become a major player in the sports industry. It relies in particular on its network of 1,751 stores in 70 countries. Thanks to its marketplace, it offers a wide selection of products suitable for all levels of sporting activity. Their platform records more than 14 million unique visitors each month. A figure that reflects consumers’ enthusiasm for their diverse and affordable offering. Delivery is a key link for them to satisfy customers who want to receive their equipment at home.

In 1986, Decathlon was already riding the second-hand products wave by organising its first Trocathlon. An in-store event that allows individuals to resell their used products. A real success that later evolved into an online service. Customers can now sell used items on the Decathlon Occasions website. They can also buy locally, as delivery is not yet available.

Gautier – The Excellence of French Furniture

Since 1960, Gautier has been recognised for its high-end furniture and French design. By developing online sales, Gautier has adapted to new market trends, including in the second-hand sector.

At the start of 2023, Gautier partnered with start-up izidore, which specialises in buying and selling second-hand furniture and home decor between individuals. This partnership allows Gautier to broaden its offering and attract a clientele concerned about the circular economy. Customers can thus resell their old furniture on the izidore marketplace.

For its part, izidore supports Gautier throughout the resale process, from product authentication to listing, right up to delivery. This is partly carried out by Cocolis, offering careful, secure delivery tailored to second-hand goods.

La Redoute – A Historic Marketplace Reinventing Itself

Founded in 1837, La Redoute is one of the historic players in French retail. With its transformation into a marketplace, La Redoute offers a wide range of products, from fashion to home decor. It records more than 12 million unique visitors per month on its site. The integration of delivery partners enables it to offer competitive delivery times, strengthening its position in the market.

At the start of 2021, La Redoute launched its second-hand sales service called La Reboucle. In the midst of the Covid crisis, La Redoute wanted to enable its customers, who were increasingly interested in second-hand, to combine CSR initiatives and purchasing power.

The brand thus offers a new service to buy and sell second-hand products, even bulky ones, from the brand or other brands. To complete their approach, La Reboucle chose Cocolis to offer its customers a cheaper, greener, and fully insured delivery solution for large parcels.

The success of the transformation of former retail players into essential marketplaces is based on their ability to meet market expectations, adapting to changing consumer habits. Delivery plays a crucial role in their development, enabling them to reach new customers and offer a seamless shopping experience. At the same time, the growing focus on second-hand in their offering demonstrates their commitment to a circular economy. At Cocolis, we offer an affordable and eco-friendly delivery solution, thus contributing to the growth of marketplaces and supporting their development.

Are you a retailer looking to implement an affordable and eco-friendly delivery solution tailored to second-hand?