Social Superstore turns customers into salespeople, targets ambitious growth

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Dec 12, 2016

A new social-to-retail platform that debuted in the summer with the support of lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone is now targeting fast expansion after a successful soft launch, with retailers including M&S, Selfridges and John Lewis as partners.

Social Superstore is an online platform that allows people to create their own online stores featuring their favourite products from brands and retailers. When someone purchases through one of these personal stores, the store 'owner' receives a commission.

Described as the “Pinterest that pays”, the start up empowers anyone in the world to be an entrepreneur without the traditional risks of starting a business. Stores and products can be shared across social media accounts, giving users an easy way to reach new customers.

Hundreds of retailers are on board, including Net-A-Porter, AllSaints, Nike, House of Fraser, Reiss, Under Armour, Topshop, Notonthehighstreet.com, The White Company and Asos. Commissions can range between 5% and 15% of the purchase price.

Since its soft launch in August, the company has attracted over 25,000 users and it hopes to have more than 10 million users by 2018. According to media reports, the site has generated more than £175,000 in sales in the last five months.

Social Superstore is currently targeting millenials and charities, and has expressed interest in expanding into Western Europe, Australia and the US.