Showplace

Showplace, founded in 2022 by Félix Bassous and Patrick Eymann, is a retail-tech company that places consumer products in short-term rental properties for guests to try and buy. Operating on a "native retail" model, the company partners with brands to put their goods—ranging from mattresses and coffee to electronics and artwork—directly into the hands of potential customers in a natural living environment. Guests can then purchase these items via QR codes placed alongside the products, which direct them to the brand's e-commerce site.

The business model is twofold: Showplace charges brands on a performance basis for product placement and also earns a commission on sales made through its exclusive marketplace for hosts. For property hosts and management companies, the service is free and provides a way to enhance guest experience and access discounted products for their rentals from over 60 partner brands. The company collaborates with major brands such as Groupe SEB (Moulinex, Tefal), La Redoute Intérieurs, and Sodastream.

In June 2024, Showplace secured €420,000 in a funding round from the business angel networks WeLike and Investessor, as well as Bpifrance, to accelerate its growth. The company aims to double its network from over 15,000 to 30,000 lodging options by 2025 and expand internationally into Belgium and Switzerland.

Keywords: native retail, in-situ marketing, retail-tech, product placement, short-term rentals, brand discovery, QR code commerce, guest experience, hospitality tech, direct-to-consumer, product sampling, e-commerce integration, vacation rental amenities, retail marketing, emerging brands, consumer goods