eBay launches UK's first pop-up shop in Wolverhampton

The nation's first pop-up store from global online giant eBay has been launched in the city to help boost trade.

MP Eleanor Smith with Paul Jones from Goodstart Jones , MP Pat McFadden and Rob Hattrell from eBay at the new shop

Wolverhampton will now boast the new "concept store", designed to support businesses and reinvent the high street.

The month-long endeavour, which is the first of its kind in the UK, comes as part of the company's Retail Revival programme aiming to unite the high street and online platforms.

WATCH: Pop-up eBay shop launched in city

Wolverhampton Council's deputy managing director Mark Taylor said: "This concept store shows yet again the strong commitment eBay has made to Wolverhampton.

"The Retail Revival scheme is making a real difference to the participating businesses and the pop-up store will help give them an even bigger profile.

"Other businesses will also be encouraged to take advantage of the free, interactive workshops and training seminars on offer.

“We very much value the presence of these independent businesses in our city and the creative local people behind them.

"They help give Wolverhampton its own identity and character and, in this challenging retail climate, they need all the support they can get.”

Wolverhampton South West MP Eleanor Smith joined the official launch of the store, alongside eBay vice president in the UK Rob Hattrell on Friday.

Ian Dixon from Huggle Pets Wolverhampton with his display

A total of 40 small businesses participating in the Retail Revival scheme have been invited to flaunt their products over the next month in the i10 building on Railway Drive as part of eBay's "retail experiment".

There will also be a number of interactive events, including a meet and greet with animals hosted by pet supply store Hugglepets, a make-up tutorial from cruelty-free beauty brand Second Glance Cosmetics and a ‘design your own backpack’ workshop from handmade accessories business Goodstart Jones.

'Retail can thrive'

Mr Hattrell said: “The small retailers taking part in Wolverhampton’s Retail Revival have already shown that physical and online retail can survive – and thrive – together.

"They have achieved more than £2 million in sales as of March and many have employed more staff as a direct result of the partnership.

"This pop-up store aims to take that growth, and the value of this programme, to the next level.

MP Pat McFadden and Councillor Beverley Momenabadi with Anthony Wortley from Tony's Deli

"It will explore how stores of the future could combine technology with that vital human connection to powerful effect – whatever the size of the business.”

A partnership between eBay and Wolverhampton Council was announced last September after research revealed 25 per cent of small retailers do not have an online presence.

Retail Revival participants, who have already made £2 million in sales, benefit from training and support covering eBay selling basics, as well as digital skills.

Art student Dan Turner from Walsall, who has been picked to create art for the eBay office in London, with a display by Wolverhampton University students

Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden said: "This is the latest chapter in Ebay’s Retail Revival, the pop up shop showcases local businesses and what they make and sell.

"So far, Ebay’s Retail Revival has resulted in over £2 million in extra sales for the businesses involved in Wolverhampton.

"And, the businesses that are partnered with Ebay in my constituency are reporting an increase in sale on the back of the Ebay Revival partnership.

"I think the shop and the partnership is a good thing for the city, I hope it is good for local businesses and that it leads to more employment for local people.”