For immediate release 11/17/2021
Today, virtually all consumers do product research online before they make a purchase. Many shoppers want to make their purchase online, while many others are browsing online before heading to their local shop. Locally and Exchange Collective are teaming up to offer shoppers a complete solution that allows them to simultaneously research products online, buy from a nearby store, or have an item shipped to them from an extended inventory – supported by the nearby store’s brand partners.
First, Locally’s Product Finder enables shoppers to see if an item is in-stock at the local store for pickup or delivery. Or, if it isn’t, or they prefer their purchase to be shipped, Exchange Collective’s endless aisle technology displays a brands’ inventory on the same dealer’s website.
Together, Locally and Exchange Collective enable shoppers to support their favorite local shops while still choosing from the largest selection of inventory available for pickup, delivery, or shipment.
This partnership unlocks a brand’s Direct to Consumer business without creating channel conflict between their retailers and online sales channels by allowing product availability through any digital channel the customer interacts with.
“We are very excited about our partnership with Locally,” says Dave Pankratz, Co-Founder of Exchange Collective. “One of our primary missions at Exchange Collective is to provide a service for brands to partner with retailers and new sales channels to allow customers to find, shop, and purchase products from authentic retail channels. Locally helps us elevate this consumer experience.”
“Locally’s Product Locator surfaces the nearby inventory of tens of thousands of stores to millions of shoppers per day.”, says Locally’s VP, BD Teddy Schiavoni. “And now, once combined with Exchange Collective, shoppers will also be able to browse brand’s inventory while still supporting local businesses. It’s a win for everyone; consumers, stores, and brands/suppliers.”
About Exchange Collective
In 2016 twin brothers Dan and Dave Pankratz set out to create a platform for brands and retailers to partner in providing the best product selection for customers to shop and buy through the retailers they love. The Exchange Collective allows brands to unlock their Direct to Consumer business by connecting a brand’s product content and available inventory to multiple retailers, marketplaces, or influencers’ websites to be purchased by the end consumer. Brands gain more exposure to the end consumer through trusted and valued online sales channels. Retailers are not limited to only selling what they can afford to stock, and ultimately the customer wins by finding the products they want, where they are shopping. It’s a win, win win.
About Locally
Locally was founded in 2014 in anticipation of changes in consumer behavior. The company recognized shoppers were increasingly turning to internet-connected devices for decision making and that often meant that nearby stores, the brands they carry, and their on-hand inventory were invisible to shoppers. So, they built a solution. Today, Locally helps tens of thousands of stores present their inventory to millions of nearby shoppers using e-commerce tactics that are attached to last-mile fulfillment options like local pickup and delivery. To learn more about Locally, please visit https://join.locally.com/
