Secoo partners with Shangdong Ruyi

Asia’s largest online luxury platform Secoo has formed a strategic partnership with Chinese company Shangdong Ruyi for the sale and distribution of the latest  luxury clothing and accessories.

The partnership between the Chinese firms will see both companies “leverage respective resources and expertise in branding, technology, network and channel management to jointly establish a global omnichannel fashion supply chain characterized by deep cooperation in brand operations, big data, smart manufacturing and smart retail,” said Beijing-based, Secoo, in a press release on July 16.

Ruyi is no stranger to fashion and retail. The group currently supplies for a wide range of luxury brands globally, and in recent years, has acquired minority stakes and taken ownership of several international fashion and luxury brands. Most recently, Ruyi acquired Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot, under France’s SMCP umbrella, which is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange.

In addition to SCMP, Ruyi also owns British trench coat brand Aquascutum, and has a controlling stake in Hong Kong menswear group Trinity, which operates Cerruti 1881, Gieves & Hawkes and Kent Curwen.

The new partnership correlates with Secoo’s goal to establish links with big name players in the luxury e-commerce sphere, according to Richard Li, rounder and CEO of Secoo, adding that his firm is a good match for Ruyi.

“Our leading integrated luxury e-commerce platform is well-suited to drive growth through rapidly expanding brand collaborations and increasing product portfolios,” said Li, in a statement.

The pair will cooperate on a variety of fashion and luxury retail innovations ranging from big data solutions to smart manufacturing to first-class shopping experiences for Secoo’s high-end customers.

Ruyi hopes to tap this savvy customer base across Secoo’s integrated online and offline shopping platform. Currently, the firm operates Secoo.com, its mobile applications and offline experience centres, which attract approximately 20 million customers.

“We believe this expansive integrated platform along with our valuable brand assets and supply chain network expertise will synergize and unlock unparalleled opportunities in the fashion market for both firms,” said Yafu Qiu, chairman of Ruyi Group.

In the news follows recent tie-ups with brands in different areas, including Parkson Retail Group (cosmetic products), Capital Outlets Group (brands entry), Caissa Travel (customized travel service), Pernod Richard (alcohol products) and Edison Chen (limited products).

This month, Secoo alos received a $175 million investment from L Catterton Asia and JD.com, aimed at “fastening brands relationship and enriching products categories,” said Secoo.