Rensource, a Nigeria-based provider of merchant infrastructure, has launched a digital platform that helps retailers get discovered quickly while enabling servicing of customer orders online during the ongoing lockdown that has disrupted global supply chains.
The new Merchlist.co service offers two main functions – allowing customers to purchase directly from SMEs, and also aggregating services, contact details, and delivery methods to ensure that end users can see service availability in real-time. The platform was rapidly developed as a solution to keep SMEs viable amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said in a statement.
Energy has always been the firm’s core business but in light of the pandemic, Rensource is looking to tap into the opportunity of helping small businesses survive by gaining access to consumers online, Chief Operating Officer Anu Adasolum explained.
“At Rensource we’re focused on connecting people to the most important things,” said Adasolum. “The launch of Merchlist will ensure that small businesses stay in business and everyday consumers can continue to access essential goods. Merchlist aims to connect as many small businesses as possible to the millions of internet users in Nigeria– simply, easily and quickly.”
The company has already clinched partnership deals with some SMEs, bringing them on board the Merchlist.co platform. These include Grocery Bazaar, Grand Square, Rx Pharmacy, Food Jaar, and The Meat Shop. While the platform is currently in its beta testing stage, only accepting a limited number of orders per day, plans are underway to roll out in additional markets across Nigeria, allowing more small businesses and merchants to go digital and access end-users.
Rensource has also launched a fund to support its merchant families during this period. Donations by Merchlist are providing food, essentials, and medical supplies through partner NGOs, Lagos Food Bank, Foundation for the Support of the Less Privileged and Dream from the Slum. “We know that we cannot do this alone and are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to contribute by visiting donations.merchlist.co,” the COO said.
A top Nigerian renewable energy and merchant services company, Rensource began commercial operations in 2016. It is powering the productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises by building and operating clean energy-based micro utilities for SME clusters in the country while offering value-added services to these merchants.
The company’s mission has always focused on enabling access to critical services. Initially a provider of energy, Rensource is now broadening that range and the new addition to its product portfolio – Merchlist – is consistent with that mission, providing access to essential items such as groceries, toiletries, beauty and cleaning products, all at the touch of a button, the company statement adds.
