Play Rakuten – What Is It?

Many loyal customers have now seen Play.com not only alter in name (now known as Play Rakuten) but also change in the way it sells its products. When Play first started (then, known as Play247) it specialised in the online retail of DVD’s. As the company grew, it shortened its name, added a huge catalogue of products and became one of the online retail giants.

From Play247 to Play Rakuten

Recently Play announced lay-offs due to a restructuring of the online business. Play.com was no longer a retail specialist and has now become what is known as a ‘marketplace’. Those familiar with Amazon should have a good idea on how this works. Basically, Play no longer stock and sell items themselves. Instead, they invite other well-known and trusted online companies to sell products under the Play brand.

Next time you see a product on Play.com it should display a number after the ’New’ text. This text will be linked and means that this is the number of external, trusted sellers (other online retailers) that are offering this product to you, through Play.

Q: I’ve been a Play.com customer for years. Should I continue shopping at Play now it’s an online marketplace?

A: Certainly. All that has changed is where the items are despatched from. Instead of a Play warehouse (that was never in the UK, anyway) your items will be despatched from trusted sellers all around the UK. This will also mean that you’ll have access to faster delivery methods. Something Play never offered before the Rakuten marketplace restructure.

Whether you’ve been a play.com customer for years, or have only just set-up an account. The new Play Rakuten is still the same amazing Play.com it always was, but now with vaster amounts of stock and even faster delivery options.