Fakhri K.
Today, when we talk to you about an e-commerce site, certain names are essential. This is the case of Cdiscount marketplace. To reach its current level, the pure player has gone through many trials since its establishment in the late 1990s.
E-commerce has exploded in France in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to figures from the Federation of e-commerce and distance selling (FEVAD), the sector's revenues reached 35,7 billion euros in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 10% compared to the same period in 2021.
Cdiscount is one of the main players in this business sector. Although it has not taken full advantage of the rapid growth of e-commerce, it has managed to stabilize its figures, despite the 9,9% decrease in its business volume in the first half of 2022 compared to that of 2021. How does Cdiscount work? What do you need to know about the French e-commerce giant? Decryption.
Table of contents
The history of Cdiscount
It's in December 1998 the French company was founded at the initiative of brothers Christophe and Nicolas Charle Hervé. In its early days, the platform was only intended to sell used CDs and DVDs. Three years later, in 2001, the company carried out an extension of its activities in order to be able to sell technological products.
In 2007, it included household appliances in its catalogs, as well as decoration, furniture (2008), games and children's products (2009). The brand's first physical store has opened in Bordeaux. It then offered a selection of best-sellers already sold on its site.
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The takeover of Cdiscount by Casino
Since 2000, the casino group joined the capital of Cdiscount as a shareholder. In 2008, he held 79,6% of the shares. In 2011, Casino bought those of the founding brothers of the site. The group then becomes the owner of 99,6% of the company's capital.
The marketplace
In September 2011, Casino and Cdiscount set up a marketplace for third parties. It is Ticketmaster Marketplace. The goal is to expand the product line and boost the company's revenue. And it pays: in 2011, Cdiscount achieved a turnover of more than one billion euros.
New business extensions
Later, in 2016, Cdiscount included services dedicated to mobile telephony, along with electricity (2017), travel (2018) and medical care (2019). Used cars entered its catalog of offers in January 2021, via Cdiscount Used Cars. This project was carried out in collaboration with Arva, a subsidiary of the PNB Paribas group. For information, Cdiscount Used Cars specializes in the rental of company vehicles. It also resells used cars less than 5 years old.
The Cdiscount Marketplace: how does it work?
Today, thanks to its Marketplace, Cdiscount is the second largest e-commerce site in France. After 10 years of existence, external sellers can sell their products there. Its policy is notably based on low prices and payment facilities.
In fact, the French company is among the most visited sites in France with an average of 8 to 11 million unique visitors per month. Its products are divided into more than 40 categories.
Transactions on Cdiscount
In its Marketplace, Cdiscount uses the FIA-net and 3D Secure systems. They are used to guarantee the security of all transactions made by customers. The latter, when they are members, have the possibility of taking advantage of several advantages, such as payment in four instalments, without affecting the sellers.
Storage
For their part, sellers can use the Fulfillment service offered by the company. Concretely, it spares them the headache of storing the goods, as well as packaging and delivery.
Even more: the French company takes care of customer returns. Also, the seller entrusts its logistics to Cdiscount. He can thus focus on his sales, the loyalty of his customers and the optimization of his turnover.
A strong advertising and media presence
Sellers on Cdiscount can take advantage of the advertising power of their host. In fact, the brand is very present on social networks. It also invests in advertisements broadcast on television.
The unlimited Cdiscount programme: what is it?
Cdiscount at will is a special program offered by the company at 29 euros per year. In practice, it allows customers to reduce delivery time and enjoy several other benefits, such as exclusive promotions. Promo codes are also available to Cdiscount members at will, but it's not just that.
Express, unlimited and free delivery
When any purchase is made before 14 p.m., Cdiscount members at will can receive the product in question the next day, regardless of their place of residence in France.
Promotions throughout the year
Promo codes are exclusively reserved for Cdiscount members at will. They allow them to take advantage of attractive marketplace promotions throughout the year.
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The Cdiscount Family program
Members can also use Cdiscount Family. This service allows you to benefit from exclusive promotions on household items found in the “unbeatable” section. The discounts also concern toys, nappies, early learning accessories, as well as other products suitable for different ages.
Customer support
Members of the Cdiscount e-commerce site at will can benefit from the company's support. They will thus be supported in the management of their orders and the products already received.
Skypod, these robots that take care of Cdiscount warehouses
To optimize the management of its warehouse in the city of Cestas, Cdiscount has partnered with Exotec Solutions to deploy 30 Skypod robots. The latter are able to pick up goods. They can also transport and store the crates containing the products in shelves with a maximum height of 10 meters.
How does Cdiscount use AI to improve its services?
Artificial intelligence allows the Cdiscount e-commerce site to improve the services offered to customers. With this in mind, the French company makes extensive use of the Machine Learning to improve and update product descriptions. Artificial intelligence also allows it to personalize the user experience of its customers, particularly with regard to product recommendations.
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Right here, artificial intelligence analyzes the behavior of Internet users (browsing, most visited categories, etc.) to offer them products that correspond to their areas of interest. Even more: Cdiscount Marketplace robots can offer customers personalized promotions adapted to their consumer profile.
