Linnworks & Virtualstock announce eCommerce automation partnership

Linnworks, a prominent solutions provider for inventory, order, and warehouse management systems, has announced a new partnership with Virtualstock, the largest dropshipping and curated marketplace software-as-a-service platform in Europe. The notable collaboration aims to increase visibility and automation across eCommerce channels for both retailers and their retail suppliers.

The comprehensive integration will allow Virtualstock users to automate their connection to key suppliers within their ecosystem, effectively synchronising inventory and order routing details. Boasting connections with thousands of small to medium-sized retailers across over 100 selling channels, Linnworks lists Virtualstock as one of its key channels.

Numerous top UK retailers, including John Lewis, Sainsburys Argos, Robert Dyas, B&Q, Currys, Screwfix, Ryman, and Toolstation, use Virtualstock for product placement. As a result of the partnership, both marketplace entities and sellers can enjoy enhanced transparency and visibility via an automated transfer of crucial upstream and downstream data.

Virtualstock's cloud-based platform provides a frictionless connection into retailer's operations, ensuring visibility across the supply chain, including stock availability, order status and delivery status. Linnworks complements this visibility by extending it into the supplier network, which improves the ability to connect, sell and fulfil orders seamlessly for all parties involved.

The supplier community will benefit from automated connectivity that de-risk their operations, real-time centralised visibility that saves time and money, and ensures they comply with channel Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

This integration means order and stock data will flow seamlessly between Virtualstock and Linnworks – without manual interaction. Key functions of the partnership include inventory updates, order downloads, inventory and location mapping and order dispatch, fully automated through the Linnworks platform.

Chris Timmer from Linnworks said of the partnership, "Automating a connection to market-leading retailers is no longer a luxury, it is a must. Therefore, the partnership with Virtualstock couldn't have come at a better time."

"We're committed to helping businesses conquer the complexities of multichannel selling and achieve new levels of productivity and profitability. We can now work together with Virtualstock to meet the ever-evolving customer demands for smoother retail experiences."

Virtualstock's Ed Bradley also expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasising the benefits this step brings to retailers, brands and suppliers.

"Connecting thousands of vendors to the Virtualstock platform not only enhances the control and visibility of consumer orders but offers choice to our retail clients and routes for brands and suppliers to market. With Linnworks' extensive reach across a multitude of sales channels, a powerful supply-and-demand network in the market is created as a result of this partnership," stated Bradley.