Trouva’s ongoing payment delays impact numerous boutique partners across the UK and Europe.
- Retailers report payments delayed since early August, affecting business stability.
- Trouva cites completion of a new funding round as the reason for payment delays.
- A first tranche of delayed payments has been processed, with resolutions expected soon.
- Some affected businesses consider pursuing legal actions over payment issues.
The online marketplace Trouva, headquartered in London, has been facing significant backlash from its partner boutiques due to delays in payments. These payments, some outstanding since early August, have caused considerable concern among the over 650 UK and European retail partners involved. Trouva first acknowledged the issue in August, attributing it to unforeseen complications in a new funding round.
Despite initial reassurances, Trouva’s inability to meet payment deadlines has led to further communications from the company. On 18 September, Trouva issued another apology, acknowledging the ongoing impact on their partner businesses and expressing regret over the situation. A spokesperson for Trouva stated, “We understand the ongoing delays are having a material impact on their businesses and for that we are truly sorry.”
While Trouva has not specified the number of retailers affected, it has confirmed that the first batch of delayed payments has been processed. The company has committed to resolving the remaining payment issues as quickly as possible, although the delays have extended beyond initial expectations. “While this delay is longer than we had initially anticipated, we are getting closer to a full resolution,” the spokesperson continued.
Compounding the issue are reports that some dissatisfied business partners are contemplating legal recourse should the delays persist. One retailer expressed frustrations by drawing comparisons to Atterley’s collapse, stating, “We lost about £4,000 to [online marketplace] Atterley, [which went into administration in December 2022]. [Now] Trouva is destroying faith in third-party platforms.”
Trouva, established in 2015 and undergoing several ownership changes since, was most recently acquired by Fy! in July 2024. These ownership transitions have raised questions about the stability of the platform, which secured £17 million in funding for expansion in 2019. The ongoing payment issue serves as a stern test for Trouva’s commitment to its partners.
Trouva’s ongoing payment delays have tested retailer patience, with resolution efforts closely watched by all stakeholders.
