Online Marketplaces: Future Bets

Products on Rakuten.com Shopping are also available through its mobile app. In addition, Rakuten has several global sites that serve specific regions, including Rakuten's Play.com in the U.K. Founded in 1998, Play.com became one of the largest online entertainment retailers in the U.K. before being sold to Rakuten in September 2011, becoming Rakuten's Play.com and operating as a marketplace starting in March 2013. Rakuten's Play.com now has more than 3,000 sellers and offers a range of product categories. For retailers looking to expand internationally, Rakuten's Play.com is a good place to test the waters.