eBay Announces Lansing Michigan as Next Retail Revival Partner City

eBay announced that is has chosen Lansing, Michigan as it’s second Retail Revival Partner city. Members of eBay’s leadership team gathered with the Lansing Mayor’s Office, local government officials and small business owners to celebrate the announcement of eBay’s Retail Revival program.

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The second partnership of its kind, the 12-month program will provide training to Lansing entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to harness the power of technology and eBay’s global marketplace to help boost their reach and revenue.

eBay’s Retail Revival is a new program in the U.S. First launched in Akron, Ohio earlier this year to bring traditional brick & mortar main street businesses online and introduce their inventory to eBay’s 175 million active buyers around the world.

In just five months, Akron Retail Revival sellers have sold to all 50 US states and 51 international markets.

“Our Retail Revival pilot program in Akron, Ohio, has shown the impact online marketplaces and a little bit of training can have in supporting local businesses to grow and thrive in the current retail environment. We knew we found an ideal partner in Lansing after seeing first-hand its strong community of small businesses, and we’re looking forward to working with these businesses to bring their products to our 175 million buyers around the world.”

Scott Cutler, eBay’s Senior Vice President, Americas

Lansing, Michigan

The city is the capital of Michigan and the home of Michigan State University. And just like many other cities and regions in Michigan and surrounding areas, it has suffered from the manufacturing job losses of the automobile industry.

But over the last decade, the city has been in a transformation phase and is actively engaging in bringing new businesses and industries to the area, including information technology and biotechnology companies.

According to 2016 population estimates, Lansing, Michigan’s population is growing again from decades of decline and stagnation.

“I am thrilled to partner with eBay over the next year to help boost Lansing’s local businesses. The Retail Revival program will allow us to further support the growth of small businesses throughout the city. Lansing’s time is now, and it’s an honor that eBay chose our city as the next leader in local businesses utilizing their online platform.”

Mayor of Lansing Andy Schor

Small Business Retail and Retail Revival

Retailers with physical stores have taken a hit in recent times, with a record 7,795 stores closures in 2017 across the U.S., according to a recent study by UBS.

To help grow existing local businesses, eBay will provide Lansing-area Retail Revival sellers ongoing support and resources to get started and scale their business on the eBay platform.

This includes training programs, one-on-one coaching, direct access to a dedicated eBay customer service team and an eBay store subscription – all provided at no cost to participants.

After seeing promising results in Akron, eBay plans to further expand the Retail Revival program, through partnerships with additional cities both in the U.S. and around the world.

What do you think about eBay’s Retail Revival program? Let us know in the comments section below or go to our Facebook Group.