Made.com Group, a publicly traded company specializing in artisan interiors, has recently acquired Trouva, a London-based platform that connects customers with independent boutiques and brands offering curated items in fashion, lifestyle, and homewares. Although Trouva is currently operating at a loss, Made.com believes that the merger will allow them to take advantage of their increased scale and marketing efficiency to improve financial performance. Trouva, which was established in 2015, has formed partnerships with over 700 boutiques across Europe and has served customers in 34 countries this year.
Despite the acquisition, Trouva will maintain its independence and continue to operate as a separate brand. The present leadership team, comprising CEO Alex Loizou and COO Dimple Patel, will remain in their positions. Made.com did not disclose the financial terms of the deal but stated that the purchase aligns with their strategic goals, particularly in terms of increasing choice and expanding reach.
Although Trouva is primarily known for its fashion offerings, Made.com believes that acquiring Trouva will hasten the growth of its homeware product range on its curated marketplace. Customers can expect even greater variety and new items as a result. Additionally, the acquisition will enable Made.com to utilize Trouva’s cross-border functionality to expand the distribution coverage of its marketplace. Trouva’s appealing marketplace technology will also be integrated into Made.com’s existing tech stack, enhancing various operational areas including dropship, carrier integration, and inventory management.
Made.com plans to further develop Trouva’s technology hub in Portugal, establishing a new center of excellence. This expansion will be overseen by Geert Engels, Made.com’s tech chief, who has a wealth of experience in successfully integrating technology functions. The acquisition is expected to yield cost savings and will be fully funded by cash, providing a strong return on investment.
CEO Nicola Thompson stated that Trouva is a perfect fit for Made.com as they strive to improve their marketplace offerings. The acquisition will accelerate growth by expanding the range of curated products and scaling the business in key markets. Trouva co-founder Alex Loizou expressed excitement about the future of the brand under the Made.com umbrella, emphasizing the potential synergies between brands, customers, and technology platforms. The mission of supporting independent boutiques and brands by making their curated items accessible will continue to be a priority under Made.com’s ownership.
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