eCommerce Strategy Consultant - Rick Watson - RMW Commerce Consulting

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Walmart and thredUP partner - why it makes sense for both

Walmart recently partnered with thredUP to offer pre-owned clothing items on its marketplace. I like this move.

Ironically, it throws a dart at eBay in the marketplace wars.

Why do I love it so much?

  • Matches the buyer demographic. Walmart shoppers are value shoppers and thredUP is about value.

  • More exposure for thredUP, why not for them?

  • Quickly expands Walmart selection in an area that could potentially be defensible against both eBay and Amazon. Outside of Poshmark and some of these newer clothing resale marketplaces, eBay is the traditional winner here.

Which makes it all the more ironic as an ex-Walmart exec Jamie Iannone just left, joined eBay. And Walmart making a big move to expand selection in a historically strong category for eBay.

I've said a few times that eBay should rollup selection in a lot of these marketplaces that have sprouted up to take advantage of many eBay missteps.Well, not if Walmart beats them to it.

Congrats Denise Incandela on this move.