Rithum launches SupplyExplorer to speed supplier discovery

Rithum has launched SupplyExplorer, a product designed to help retailers find and connect with suppliers more quickly.

The offering centres on Merchant Match, a module that recommends suppliers based on a retailer's categories, growth priorities and business needs. Using data from across Rithum's network, it identifies suppliers that fit those criteria. A second feature, Network Profiles, gives retailers access to supplier-controlled information on catalogues and past performance.

The launch addresses a part of eCommerce that many merchandising teams still manage through manual research, fragmented data and direct outreach. Retailers trying to broaden product ranges often face delays when assessing potential partners, particularly when supplier information is scattered across multiple sources.

SupplyExplorer is intended to shorten that process by bringing supplier recommendations and performance data into one place. Retailers can review supplier relevance, historical performance and assortment fit before deciding whether to make contact.

Blaine Nielsen, President of Retailers at Rithum, outlined the problem the product is intended to solve.

"Supplier discovery has remained one of the most manual and fragmented parts of eCommerce, forcing merchandising teams to rely on disconnected data, time-consuming research, and guesswork to find the right partners. That slows down assortment expansion, creates missed revenue opportunities, and makes it harder for retailers to keep pace with changing customer demand. With SupplyExplorer, we're helping retailers act more quickly and confidently by bringing structure, visibility, and intelligence to how they identify and connect with the partners that will drive their next phase of growth," said Nielsen.

Network data

The product draws on information from Rithum's broader commerce network, through which it works with retailers and brands on product listings, fulfilment and related operations. That position gives it visibility into supplier performance, assortment breadth and existing network relationships, which it is now applying to supplier discovery.

Merchant Match forms the foundation of the new service. The module generates curated supplier recommendations for retailers, rather than leaving teams to conduct broad searches or rely on existing contacts.

Network Profiles adds another layer by giving suppliers a way to present their own data to potential retail partners. These profiles include details on company offerings and activity across Rithum's network, allowing retailers to compare suppliers before reaching out.

Retail pressure

The launch comes as retailers face continued pressure to expand assortments and respond to shifts in customer demand while controlling the time and effort required to bring in new suppliers. Delays in identifying suitable partners can slow category expansion and limit access to new revenue streams, especially in fast-moving eCommerce markets.

SupplyExplorer is designed to help retailers discover suppliers aligned with category and growth goals, make decisions using performance data, and identify assortment gaps without relying on cold outreach. Rithum did not disclose pricing or customer numbers.

Formerly known as CommerceHub and ChannelAdvisor, Rithum provides software and services across the commerce process, including listing, discovery, order fulfilment and performance management. Its customers include Adidas, Best Buy, B&Q, Draper Tools, The Home Depot and Zalando.

Rithum operates teams in the US, UK, Ireland, Spain and Australia, and has spent more than two decades building its commerce network. That network now underpins SupplyExplorer's recommendation and supplier assessment tools, which are aimed at reducing manual work in retailer sourcing.