THG Ingenuity, the eCommerce services division of Manchester-headquartered THG, has announced a 10-year multi-million-pound partnership with Homebase that will “digitally transform” the home and garden retailer.
Homebase will have access to THG Ingenuity’s proprietary end-to-end eCommerce solution to replace current systems, including web development and hosting, a global fulfilment and payment infrastructure, digital channel and proposition management, brand building and strategy, alongside the production of digital first content from THG’s content studios.
“Teaming THG Ingenuity’s digital strength with the in-store knowledge and heritage of Homebase will create a scalable, immersive omni-channel opportunity for the retailer, boosting its direct to consumer potential in the UK and internationally,” said THG.
The proposition will be launched in early 2021 and “deliver a seamless customer experience through operations and data including reserve in store, endless aisle, loyalty, digital kiosk and personalisation.”
The partnership is part of THG Ingenuity’s strategy to expand in the home retail sector, which it says “presents a huge potential for digital growth via eCommerce in better supporting a frictionless customer purchase journey between instore and online.”
Matthew Moulding, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of THG, 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.”
Damian McGloughlin, CEO of Homebase, added: “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.”
THG Ingenuity is THG’s proprietary, end-to-end technology and operating platform that has enabled the group to scale its own brands, including Myprotein and lookfantastic. THG Ingenuity’s third-party clients include Nestle, Proctor & Gamble and PZ Cussons.
