EBay tie-up with shops in Midlands

ONLINE giant eBay is launching a partnership with a city aimed at supporting local retailers and boosting the local economy.

One of the aims of the tie-up with Wolverhampton is to show that online and high street retail can co-exist.

The partnership follows research for eBay which found that one in four small retailers does not have an online presence.

Rob Hattrell, vice president of eBay in the UK said: “We know that customer shopping behaviour is changing, but online should play an important part in helping businesses in our local communities to thrive.

“I’ve seen that Wolverhampton businesses have the creativity matched with the entrepreneurial skill to create products needed and wanted all over the world – and eBay will help them to sell in the way they want to online.”

City of Wolverhampton Council leader Roger Lawrence said: “I’m delighted a global brand like eBay has chosen to work with us on an initiative which is the first of its kind in the UK.

“We value our small retailers and look forward to providing support to them in the wake of a challenging national retail climate affected by changes in consumer behaviour and the economy.

“It is an exciting programme that will help businesses with their digital marketing and sales skills, giving them a solid platform for sustainable growth.”