Change is the only constant in the dynamic fashion e-commerce landscape, and this time, we’re putting a spotlight on how Marketplaces will continue to shape the scene. Already playing a central role for many years, it’s clear that they’re not just a trend but a huge growth engine for brands – when utilised correctly. 

Marketplaces bring together various brands and retailers on a single platform, allowing customers to browse and buy a wide range of clothing (and accessories) in one convenient place. Reaching new markets and customers makes Marketplaces a lucrative channel for brands to expand on, but it’s how you show up on there that will make it a success. 

Let’s look at the ways you can scale on Marketplaces.

The current state of affairs

As digital shopping continues to shape today's economy, the fashion e-commerce market is projected to experience steady growth, with an expected annual growth rate of 8.14% from 2025 to 2029. Players like Zalando and About You have respectively over 51 million and 12 million active users – and those numbers will continue to grow year on year.

Consumers are shopping across 2–3 marketplaces before making a purchase, often with the help of comparison tools due to the sheer overwhelm of offer. So many choices cause decision fatigue and overload, meaning that just being on a marketplace doesn’t equal more shoppers or revenue.

How Marketplaces can generate growth

Marketplaces are one of the most powerful (and convenient) ways to:

• Expand into new markets

• Reach high-intent customers

• Build long-term brand equity
  
  

But just getting listed is a drop in the ocean next to all the other brands you’ll be up against. A specific growth strategy is needed for your Marketplace success, which involves smart and intentional execution:

• Choosing the right marketplaces based on brand fit and customer overlap

• Optimising listings with strategic positioning, search logic, and content
  Data-backed performance loops, not guesswork

• Seamless integration with your existing stack and operations
  
  

Our approach to Marketplace success

Our fashion market specialisation and 360° digital partner approach helps our clients scale via their direct channels for years. Now, our dedicated team is applying the same expertise to marketplaces:

End-to-end support
From marketplace strategy to onboarding and execution.

Tech integration
Full integration into your systems and dashboards.

Performance consulting
Insights from our data and growth teams/D2C and marketplace data.

Campaign management & optimisation
Continuous improvements within the Marketplace advertising infrastructure.

Channel management
So you can focus on your brand, not the backend.

We built this team to help brands turn marketplace complexity into profitable growth. Using our tools, our tech, and your data with our NSL Data Warehouse, we’ll help you:

• Identify your best-performing SKUs per channel and make sure you sell the right product on the right platform 

• Streamline operations across DTC and marketplaces

• Scale with strategy, not just effort
  
  

Ready to make marketplaces work for your brand?

We’ll help you show up, stand out, and scale.
Get in touch and let’s chat.