RangeMe product discovery platform rolls out to UK buyers and suppliers

UK retail buyers can now access a new online matchmaking platform designed to “take the heavy lifting,” out of new product sourcing, and get innovative-new products on shelves faster, following the launch of RangeMe in the UK.

Founded in the US in 2013, RangeMe seeks to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers, by offering buyers an ultra-efficient way to discover new products, identify emerging consumer trends, communicate directly with brands and curate new ranges.

With more than 200,000 suppliers and over 750,000 products from around the world, across categories including beauty, fashion and grocery currently listed, the RangeMe platform is now used by more than 12,000 retailers in the US, including Walmart, Ulta Beauty and Walgreens.

In the UK, high street chain LloydsPharmacy has become an early adopter of the new technology, as it seeks to broaden its customer offer.

John Acland, head of category management and eCommerce at LloydsPharmacy’s parent company McKesson UK said: “We pride ourselves on offering the widest range of products that meet the highest standards for consumers.

“RangeMe is already helping us to identify a wider spread of products for our customers. Equally importantly, we will quickly scale our buying operations through the platform and reduce the time to get more products on our shelves.”

RangeMe chief executive officer Nicky Jackson added: “Consumers are looking for a variety of products from all over the world and sourcing them online.

“The British public is no different, yet high street retailers have struggled to offer these products in store or online principally because they don’t have sight of all that’s available in the market.

“RangeMe will change this for retailers bringing more choice to shopping aisles and a significant revenue opportunity,”

The platform, which also provides suppliers with tools and insights to manage their products, market their brands, and build awareness, is also calling on them to join it and boost their visibility in the process.

 “Our mission has always been to empower retailers and suppliers to be productive and successful," Jackson added.

“The world has become a smaller place but it remains distant for forging strong cross border buyer and seller relationships.

“RangeMe will bridge this gap for buyers and sellers around the world and ensure extraordinary products hit store shelves, faster than ever before."