Hearst Looks to Lead Media-Driven Ecommerce with New Digital Marketplace

Hearst is looking to the future with plans for an integrated ecommerce platform.

Leading media company Hearst is “embracing the digital economy,” with plans to develop an ecommerce marketplace for its publications across fashion, do-it-yourself (DIY), home improvement and lifestyle.

The unified shopping experience is being developed in partnership with experience innovation company Valtech and will be built on the Vtex commerce platform. The ultimate goal of the platform is to “transform the buying experience” of Hearst’s consumer media businesses, which collectively reach 165 million unique users each month.

The integrated marketplace will support a multi-vendor business model, allowing Hearst to offer a seamless customer experience between its various publications and shoppable interfaces and enabling the streamlined purchase of featured products.

“This partnership will help us leverage new business models in the digital economy, and we’re excited to grow with Vtex,” said Robert Gash, Hearst’s Chief Technology Officer of Ecommerce in a statement.

“With this launch, Hearst has taken a significant step toward becoming a frontrunner in the evolving media-driven ecommerce landscape,” added Charles Desjardins, EVP and Managing Director at Valtech in a statement. “Their new Vtex-powered platform is redefining the industry. We’re excited to help build a unique commerce journey to support Hearst’s future growth and reflect its position as a media powerhouse.”