Fashion independents express relief over settled Trouva payments

Trouva has begun paying independent retailers selling through its marketplace after a four-month delay, Boutique magazine has learned. Several indie owners have come forward to express relief that previously outstanding invoices have now been settled in full by the online firm.

Trouva reportedly notified retailers by email that it was working through settling outstanding balances and that payments were imminent. However, at the time of posting, some boutique owners say they are still waiting for funds. One independent retailer told us anonymously: “Our invoices have not been settled but I have been told that they (Trouva) are working on it. I’m still a bit sceptical to be honest until we’ve received payment.” Another said: “We have not received payment for pending sales since August 2024. Trouva told us this week that they have closed the financing round, but they said that back in September too.”

The boutique marketplace, which takes orders and payments on behalf of boutiques via its site, initially sent an email to retailers in August informing them of a delay to its usual payment schedule. The company blamed “an unforeseen issue” on the delay and said it was waiting on the completion of a new funding round before it could start making payments.

While Trouva claimed the average amount it owed each boutique was “under £1,000,” several indies have told Boutique magazine that they were waiting for payments ranging from £3,000 to £8,000 each.