Frooly.com to cease trading

We attempted to save independent retailers and reverse the decline of our high streets.

After 2 years development, and despite significant growth in the last quarter, it is with regret that we announce the closure of Frooly Ltd.

In a climate of recession, retail gloom and discount deals – it’s very expensive to launch a marketplace selling luxury and unique goods.

However, with 1,300+ businesses on board and sufficient growth funding secured, we were confident of the year ahead - our London office was due to open in Feb 2012 and we were trading in good faith.

Unfortunately, as of January 16th, this funding position unexpectedly changed.

Factors beyond our control have affected investor confidence (chargeback’s, shop non delivery of orders, heavily funded competitors etc) – without the planned for investment round in January, we are no longer able to meet our obligations and have no time to make alternative arrangements.

Despite the tremendous backing and support from our Board, we are unable to find a way through it on this occasion. Many investors have decided that a high cost retail business is too risky to fund in the current environment – the only option available is to close the business.

Professionally we are hugely disappointed, and consider many of our trading partners friends. Launching a business is very difficult; we have risked everything and sweated blood to reach this position – only to fall short of capital at a crucial time.

On a personal note, we are devastated with this announcement and particularly with the inconvenience and distress it may cause our fantastic team, supporters and customers. This was out of our hands and only confirmed last week and we certainly didn’t want to put you in a bad personal position.

We’d like to thank Carl, Matt, Emma and all past/present members of the Frooly team for the hard work, great company and shared vision. Both Gemma and I have learnt and experienced things money can’t buy and will be forever wiser for it.

Frooly.com will be turned off on Monday 6th February 2012.

Sadly, frooly.com will be turned off for good on Monday 6th Feb. We strongly advise all shops/websites to log into your site and copy/save your content as it will not be available after that date.

Other cool places to shop and sell...

There are lots of amazing marketplaces - the list isn't exhaustive (sorry if we missed you out) but these guys are worth a look

Marketplaces

Folksy

Bouf

Notonthehighstreet

ASOS Marketplace

Build yourself e-commerce

Shopify

Powa

Creative, professional web design

Dowson Creative

Moogaloo

93ft

Emedia Creative Design

What next?

Both our sellers and customers will receive a personal mail with more information about the closure. Gemma and I will be putting our reflections and thoughts down in more detailed blog posts over the coming weeks.

We have a lot to deal with and do hope to keep your faith and trust as we piece a way through this with the best intentions.

We are still passionate about supporting independent retailers, and empowering young people – and after a much needed break - hope to work with you again.

Thank you for your support, and please accept our sincerest apologies if you are inconvenienced by this sudden news.

We dared to dream, and worked really hard – but it wasn’t to be.

Kind regards

Michael Ord, Gemma Baldan and the Frooly Board

Ps.
Please accept our apologies but we are unable to answer phone calls.
The best contact method is customerservice@frooly.com