Stylight owner acquires Trouva to revive the boutique marketplace

Toronto-based Inspiration Commerce Group (ICG) has acquired Trouva, the online marketplace renowned for connecting shoppers with independent boutiques across Europe.

This is the first time ICG, owner of Stylight and MyBestBrands, has entered the marketplace space.

Andrew Ladouceur, founder and CEO of Inspiration Commerce Group, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Trouva into ICG. Our track record with brands such as Stylight and MyBestBrands has shown that when you combine a passion for curation with disciplined operational execution, you can unlock tremendous value for both shoppers and boutique partners.

"Trouva embodies the very spirit of discovery that we cherish, and we intend to invest heavily in its platform, vendor relationships, and customer experience."

Founded in 2016, Trouva quickly gained a reputation as a destination for shoppers seeking unique fashion, accessories and home décor from smaller, often hard-to-find retailers. However, the business has faced a turbulent few years. After being acquired by online giant Made.com in 2022, Trouva was left in limbo when Made collapsed into administration just months later. Although it was later picked up by London-based Re:store Ventures, ongoing operational instability, including persistent issues with late payments to boutique partners, led to growing dissatisfaction among its vendor base.

With ICG’s acquisition, Trouva will now benefit from what the group calls its "proven operational capabilities, robust financial infrastructure, and deep industry relationships".

As part of the transition, ICG is taking immediate steps to restore confidence in the platform. A newly formed "Boutique Success Team" will focus on resolving outstanding payments and ensuring transparent invoicing processes.

At the same time, Trouva’s platform will undergo phased upgrades, including faster checkout, smarter search functionality and tighter integration with boutique inventory systems.

ICG also plans to drive growth through targeted marketing aimed at re-engaging lapsed customers and extending Trouva’s reach beyond its stronghold in Europe, particularly in North America.

"Independent boutiques are the lifeblood of a vibrant retail ecosystem," added Ladouceur. "We understand the challenges these entrepreneurs face - especially around cash flow and operational support. By integrating Trouva into ICG’s proven infrastructure, we will ensure boutiques are paid on time, have direct access to marketing resources, and can focus on curating extraordinary products without distraction."