The City of Wolverhampton has launched a 12-month partnership with eBay to help small retailers start up or expand their online presence.
The 'Retail Revival' partnership will provide small retailers with one-on-one support and training to create a personalised eBay shop, offer a free one-year Premium store subscription, and provide promotional support.
‘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,’ said council leader, Cllr Roger Lawrence.
He added: ‘eBay's will provide valuable support to city retailers 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.’
Figures show that a quarter of small retailers do not have an online presence aimed at generating sales, with nearly a quarter (71%) having no plans to close this 'digital gap'.
