Observed Signal · Sep 24, 2020 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Rakuten shuts Germany marketplace Rakuten.de
Rakuten has informed its German retailers that the Rakuten.de marketplace will stop accepting new orders from October 15, as part of a broader transformation. The email, which Rakuten confirmed to Onlinehändler-News, explains that the German marketplace struggled to achieve a meaningful market presence and that the group will refocus investments on areas with stronger growth potential. The company will continue to operate Club R, an open e-commerce model similar to the UK and Spain, for merchants and customers. During the transition, Rakuten plans to assist with incoming orders and maintain a direct merchant-support channel for returns and customer-service inquiries, with details to follow. Reports indicate possible employee redundancies as part of the shutdown; affected staff will be offered severance packages beyond standard terms and support in seeking new employment.
Significant strategic change (marketplace shutdown) with potential impact on German e-commerce and ad inventory
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Rakuten.de will stop accepting new orders from German customers starting October 15.
- The move is part of Rakuten's transformation to focus investments on areas with greater growth potential.
- Rakuten will continue to support merchants via Club R, an open e-commerce model used in the UK and Spain.
- There are indications of potential layoffs; severance packages beyond market norms will be offered and help will be provided to find new jobs.
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