Homebase to transform its online shopping experience through partnership with THG
Health and beauty retailer The Hut Group has announced that its ecommerce division THG Ingenuity has embarked on a ten-year partnership with Homebase in which it will work to digitally transform the home and garden retailer.
As part of the multi-million pound deal, Homebase will have access to THG Ingenuity’s proprietary end-to-end ecommerce solution to replace its current systems. This will include web development and hosting, a global fulfilment and payment infrastructure, digital channel and proposition management, and brand building and strategy. The division will also provide a range of digital content from The Hut Group’s own content studios.
Damian McGloughlin, chief executive of Homebase, said: “This partnership will significantly fast-forward our digital plans and create an incredible new shopping experience for customers. We have a unique opportunity to move with the rapidly changing retail landscape, and leapfrog ahead to an experience that exceeds customers’ demands for online shopping that’s both easy and inspirational. We’ll combine the best of bricks-and-mortar with The Hut Group’s world-class expertise, to advise, excite and inspire our customers with new ways of shopping we know they’ll love.”
The Hut Group said the end-to-end and fully integrated solution will aim to deliver a seamless customer experience through operations and data including reserve in store, endless aisle, loyalty, digital kiosk and personalisation. The new partnership is part of The Hut Group’s strategy to expand THG Ingenuity into the home retail sector due to it being a predominantly offline industry that offers potential for digital growth.
Matthew Moulding, founder and chief executive of The Hut Group, said: “We are incredibly excited to be working with one of the UK’s biggest players in the home and garden retail sector and there is huge potential for us to grow Homebase’s D2C capabilities with our proven infrastructure and services.
“The global retail landscape is changing and the current climate has accelerated digital plans for many businesses. This partnership is testament to the strength and reputation of THG Ingenuity to deliver a world-leading ecommerce solution that can power businesses of all sizes, in the UK and globally.”
