easyGroup set to launch online marketplace across 21 European countries powered by OnBuy technology
easyGroup, the private investment vehicle of Greek-Cypriot entrepreneur Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has taken the wraps off easyShop.com, a new online marketplace that will go live later this year across 21 European countries. Marking easyGroup’s entrance into mainstream online retail, this is being developed and powered by OnBuy through its proprietary OnCommerce platform.
Haji-Ioannou says: “The easy family of brands has expanded into many new sectors by focusing on simplicity and value for money. I believe an online retail marketplace using a great domain like easyShop is a natural next step. I am delighted to welcome Cas Paton of OnBuy into the easy family, and I am looking forward to working with him to start recruiting sellers for our marketplace from now in 21 different countries. We are aiming for a consumer facing launch for consumers to be able to buy online from Q4 in 2026. Exciting times for the easy family!"
Cas Paton, CEO and Founder at OnBuy, comments: “easyShop removes many of the barriers that typically slow retail expansion by operating as a pure marketplace without inventory, logistics, or local infrastructure. Working with the easy family of brands brings together one of Europe’s most recognisable consumer names with proven marketplace expertise, accelerating awareness and enabling retailers to reach customers across multiple countries much more quickly.”
easyShop will operate as a pure marketplace, with no retail competition from the operator. Seller onboarding will begin ahead of the consumer launch.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Online retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
