The next evolution of supplier fulfilment: Virtualstock and Toolbank unlock extended range for DIY retail
For retailers, extending the online product range can create significant growth opportunities. It allows customers to access more products without the retailer needing to purchase, warehouse and distribute every item itself.
However, successful range extension depends on more than simply adding products to a website. Retailers need suppliers with the stock, operational capability and technology connections required to fulfil orders reliably.
Toolbank is one of the long-standing suppliers connected to retailers through the Virtualstock platform. With more than 30,000 products from 280 brands, supported by a nationwide distribution network and its own vehicle fleet, Toolbank gives retailers access to a broad range of trade and DIY products without requiring them to hold the inventory themselves.
Extending the range without extending the warehouse
Toolbank’s range spans hand tools, power tools and fixings, as well as sealants, cleaning products and larger, more specialist trade items.
For DIY retailers and builders’ merchants, offering this level of choice through stores or existing distribution centres would require significant investment in stock, space and operational capacity.
Virtualstock connects Toolbank’s inventory and fulfilment capabilities with the retailer’s ecommerce operation. Product availability, orders and operational communication can flow between the retailer and supplier through one connected platform.
This allows retailers to broaden their customer proposition without needing to purchase, warehouse and distribute every product themselves. Customers gain access to greater choice, while the retailer avoids the inventory risk and operational complexity associated with holding the complete range.
Specialist fulfilment at scale
The opportunity is particularly significant in DIY and trade retail, where extended ranges often include products that do not fit easily into conventional parcel networks.
Toolbank can fulfil long, awkward and specialist items, as well as regulated goods such as certain batteries. Its own nationwide vehicle fleet is certified to transport dangerous goods and supports next-day delivery across its distribution network.
This capability gives retailers access to products that may be expensive, complicated or impractical to hold and fulfil through their own operations.
Virtualstock makes that supplier capability accessible to retailers. The platform connects product availability, order management and operational communication, allowing Toolbank’s range and fulfilment network to form part of the retailer’s wider ecommerce proposition.
Why Click & Collect could be the next step for supplier fulfilment
For trade customers, home delivery is not always the most convenient option. Many tradespeople would rather collect an order from a local branch or trade counter on the way to a job than arrange delivery to their home or workplace.
Connecting supplier-held inventory with a retailer’s store and collection network could remove one of the key limitations of traditional dropship. Retailers could offer a much broader range without holding the stock themselves, while customers benefit from the convenience of local collection.
Virtualstock has developed the technology needed to coordinate this process across the supplier, retailer, carrier and store. For suppliers such as Toolbank, which already has the range, inventory and specialist delivery capability, Click & Collect represents a natural next step.
For DIY retailers and builders’ merchants, the opportunity is significant: more products, greater availability and a stronger customer proposition, without extending the warehouse.
By combining Toolbank’s scale and specialist fulfilment network with Virtualstock’s technology, retailers can move beyond traditional dropship towards a more flexible model of extended-range commerce.
Watch the full video to see how Virtualstock and Toolbank are developing the next stage of supplier fulfilment.