eBay’s Vice President of Government Relations & Public Policy Cathy Foster published a post on the company’s corporate blog to tout its Retail Revival program, which she said connects Main Street businesses to the global marketplace.
eBay operates Retail Revival in a growing number of cities. The program offers participating local small-businesses training, coaching, and promotional support to sell on its platform.
“On eBay, 94% of eBay-enabled small businesses in Louisiana are exporters, and they export to an average of 13 countries per year,” Foster wrote. “In the traditional economy, less than 1% of Louisiana businesses export, and they reach just three countries, on average.”
An excerpt of Foster’s post follows:
“Technology can open the door for small businesses to sell beyond their local markets and broaden their customer base worldwide. Our Retail Revival program connects cities’ Main Street businesses to the global marketplace.
“Digital technology has changed economies and societies globally, delivering exciting and innovative products, services and conveniences. But what happens to small and local businesses with brick-and-mortar stores in the age of digital commerce? Economic concentration and a general sense that those not living in America’s booming hotspots are being left behind is a growing concern.
“Though many fault technology, globalization and trade for exacerbating this trend, an analysis of eBay-enabled small business growth tells a different story. We’ve found that growth actually balances out when technology allows entrepreneurs in less-advantaged areas to jump beyond their local markets and connect to vibrant remote markets.”
Foster described a seller who found success on eBay – Clark Taylor from Covington, Louisiana. “eBay provides Clark an international audience, to which he would otherwise not have access, and allows him to bring money back to his hometown,” she wrote. “This “hometown” growth like Clark’s is vital to the well-being of our communities and is a hallmark of eBay’s business model. “
You can read the full post on the eBay corporate blog.
Related Story:
eBay Expands Retail Revival Program to Texas (August 28, 2019)
