EBay goes up a gear

AUSTRALIA’S struggling bricks and mortar retailers are facing further upheaval with online retail behemoth eBay announcing a new membership delivery service for internet shoppers.

The offer, to be known as eBay Plus, will give shoppers unlimited deliveries and returns on new items bought from thousands of Australian retailers for an annual $49 fee.

eBay Plus, which will be active from mid-June, is aimed at stimulating online shopping in Australia, senior director of product and shipping David Ramadge said.