Individuals or entities who list and sell products on the Home Depot’s online platform, but are not directly part of the Home Depot’s own inventory or workforce, constitute its third-party vendor base. These vendors leverage the established infrastructure and customer base of a major retailer to offer goods directly to consumers. For instance, a small business specializing in handcrafted furniture might use this avenue to reach a broader audience than their local market would allow.
This model offers advantages such as expanded product selection for customers, increased revenue opportunities for businesses, and a wider reach for niche products. Historically, this arrangement has mirrored the evolution of traditional brick-and-mortar retail, where concessions and vendor partnerships have supplemented core offerings. The online iteration provides scalability and reduced overhead compared to physical storefronts.
