The world’s biggest online marketplace, eBay, has launched a campaign that brings its Global Impact programme, Retail Revival, to life in the real world.
The initiative supports small to medium-sized business (SMBs) by helping them stay local, but grow globally, and navigate the increasingly complex and competitive retail landscape. The first of its kind in the UK, the campaign is being run by global brand experience agency Sense and focuses on the people of Wolverhampton, a vibrant area with a high concentration of SMBs and entrepreneurs.
It will consist of a concept store and pop-up activation, providing local retailers with a physical space to showcase their goods, whilst also giving the Wolverhampton community a chance to discover the traders on their doorstep, fostering a sense of community. Products from those retailers involved in eBay’s Retail Revival programme will be on display to local consumers who can scan a QR code that takes them directly to the eBay page where they are on sale. There’s also a Click & Collect Desk, where people can pick up items they’ve purchased.
Several of the local traders will also be running workshops for visitors, including make-up tutorials and tote bag making. Meanwhile, HugglePets is hosting a pet day where families can meet and hold a variety of animals, including lizards and tarantulas, with the proceeds going towards an aquarium the local trader is building for children in the area with special needs.
Federica Rabiolo, Senior Manager, EMEA Global Impact at eBay, said: “Retail Revival harnesses the power of technology and eBay’s global marketplace to support and grow small businesses, strengthen local economies and foster vibrant community growth. Launched in select cities in 2018, retailers are learning from eBay how to reach new markets and attract customers from virtually anywhere in the world. Working with Sense to bring Retail Revival to life in the real world through a live marketplace and community space will help us make stronger connections with local retailers and entrepreneurs and in turn help them build direct relationships with local customers. We’ve been very impressed with Sense’s creative approach to date, and are delighted to have them on board.”
Jess MacGillivray, Senior Account Director at Sense, said: “We’re delighted to be working with our new client eBay on this important CSR initiative. Small businesses and retailers are the lifeblood of communities and also play a vital role in national economies. Supporting their development and growth in this way delivers benefits on a local and national scale. The Retail Revival campaign will engage more deeply with SMBs and communities on the ground showing eBay’s commitment and dedication to the cause.”
The campaign will run in Wolverhampton throughout May
