// Sainsbury’s is looking to build a new online fashion marketplace in a bid to rival department stores
// The grocery giant has pitched to brands, including Jigsaw, White Stuff and Yours Clothing, on selling online and in-store
Sainsbury’s is plotting a new online marketplace for high street fashion brands in a move that would step up pressures on department stores.
The grocery giant is pitching brands to sell through its website and in 60 of its stores as it looks to diversify its product offering, The Times reported.
Sources said the retailer has already approached Jigsaw, White Stuff and Yours Clothing.
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The initiative is being led by former John Lewis managing director Paula Nickolds, who heads up Sainsbury’s non-food business.
She is joined by another former John Lewis exec, Christine Kasoulis, who is the retailer’s director of clothing, home and furniture.
Sainsbury’s is understood to be flexible over its terms of conditions with brands and is offering lower commission rates than John Lewis, which is understood to charge at least 40%.
In January, the grocery retailer teamed up with fashion brand Sosandar to sell a curated collection of its clothes through its website and in selected stores.
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