When Daria Rebenok and her husband moved to the US, they found themselves inundated with requests from friends and family back in Russia to bring back high-end items like the latest iPhones that were not readily available in their home country.

Seeing the demand, Rebenok and her husband founded Grabr in 2016, a start-up that connects buyers with travellers who purchase and deliver requested items. With about 100,000 active users, Grabr fills the gap for products that are either unavailable or too expensive in the buyer’s country.

While Grabr does not operate in Russia due to sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine, similar services like Sherpals and AirWayBill have emerged to cater to the growing need for international shopping assistance.

As the effects of the pandemic continue to impact retail, these services provide a way for retailers to reach a wider audience by leveraging travellers to fulfill international shopping requests. This is particularly beneficial as tourist spending, especially from Chinese travellers, has yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Grabr’s process is simple: shoppers post their order requests, travellers make offers to fulfill them, and buyers pay upfront for the product and the traveller’s fee. Grabr takes a commission based on the item’s value, ensuring a secure transaction for both parties.

“The US economy is driven by constant sales and discounts: Columbus Day, Veterans Day. Any kind of sale like Amazon Prime Day, we see a spike in activity. When new iPhones appear, everyone wants them.”

With Grabr facilitating transactions for a variety of products, from electronics to supplements, the platform ensures transparency and efficiency in international shopping.

Similarly, AirWayBill operates on a similar model, connecting shoppers with travellers to fulfill their international shopping needs. The platform charges a fee based on the item’s value, providing a seamless experience for users.

Other services like Luminaire cater to high-end clients, offering personalized styling services and global product sourcing. With a focus on convenience and luxury, Luminaire provides a unique shopping experience for its discerning clientele.

By offering a combination of style expertise and logistical support, services like Luminaire are redefining the luxury shopping experience, making it more accessible and convenient for clients worldwide.