EBay is making a come-back you wouldn't normally dream of. They have recently entered the world of fashion in the hopes of becoming the place to buy designer clothes. Yes, you did read that right.
Previously known for selling used clothes, EBay launched a new fashion site Mon. March 29, 2010 that is dedicated to competing with other Web sites that offer designer clothes at a steep discount. The Web site wants more shoppers to think of it when they want to find new bargain fashions.
This update is the latest in a series of changes that will make EBay act more like an outlet mall or a "private sale" instead of the widely distributed marketplace it's known as now. Redesigning their interface with a better search engine, gallery views and easier navigation, they may be on their way to competing with top sites like Amazon.com.
French Connection has already teamed up with the site to act as a seller with many other fashion brands and retailers following close behind. Several new ways of selling will be brought together by fashion.ebay.com, the new microsite devoted to fashion.
The company began with short-term sales of a small selection of discounted items, also called "flash" sales late last year to test drive the new site. With positive feedback, they later launched a flash-sale site known as the "Fashion Vault".
EBay is going even further by enlisting brands like Lord & Taylor to make an outline outlet mall later this Spring.
There is still the lingering question of whether or not EBay can overcome their image as a secondhand clothing site. Time will only tell, but I would say that EBay is headed in the right direction.
