In 2017, after successful pilots in Mönchengladbach and Diepholz, eBay Germany Local & Digital: the eBay City Initiative” was launched, to help cities and communities make their way into online commerce. This initiative is now expanding eBay and supporting local retailers in linking online and offline retailers. Participating merchants receive expert tips as well as stickers and scoreboards for their showcase and retail store, which draw attention to their eBay store, where customers can shop anytime, anywhere.
48% of German eBay retailers operate a local store in addition to their eBay shop and thus fall under the category of multichannel retailers. They are generally in line with the buying behavior of many customers who now move across channels and buy both online and offline. However, 80% of companies active in online trading in Germany do not yet have a clear channel and omnichannel strategy which is what eBay Germany Local & Digital aims to address.
The main aim of the eBay Germany Local & Digital initiative, is helping sellers connect their local business to their eBay store to help them gain new customers and grow their business. The program is very similar to Always Open on eBay which launched in the US last year.
“I link my shop and the eBay Store using LED displays in the shop window, where current offers are presented – QR codes lead directly to the eBay offers. More and more passers-by stop to pull out their smartphone and get so informative and entertaining via QR code to my eBay offers. In this way, passers-by become direct customers even outside shop opening hours.”
– Torsten Hornung, owner, Feine Sachwerte
German eBay sellers with a physical retail store – or retailers who have not brought their store online yet and would like to learn more about this program – can find more information at verkaeuferportal.ebay.de/lokal-digital or contact eBay regarding the initiative at [email protected].
