In a move to make it more competitive with a broader range of web-based retailers, eBay has established a new destination on its site, eBay Collective, to provide interior designers and consumers with curated inventory of furniture, antiques, decorative accessories and fine art.
The destination is a virtual platform where shoppers can find sought-after products from dealers and galleries. eBay invited dealers featured on the platform to participate. Each meets specific eBay criteria to ensure a high-quality shopping experience.
Premium storefronts in the Collective provide dealers with opportunities to build their brands and enable easier repeat shopping. The company’s make-an-offer functionality provides flexibility for dealers who want to offer trade discounts on their fixed-price selection. Inventory on eBay Collective incorporates one-of-a-kind objects that can traditionally only be found in independent brick-and-mortar stores, the company maintained, while also showcasing the broad selection that eBay offers. In addition, eBay has developed a white-glove managed shipping service that offers flat rates on freight in the continental U.S. to simplify transactions.
In a move to boost Collective functionality, eBay has integrated a Shop the Look artificial intelligence technology powered by its recent acquisition, Corrigon. The image recognition technology allows shoppers to activate tool searches of eBay Collective listings by hovering over an object. The tool returns images of inventory that matches or is a close match to the particular portion of the image indicated.
To enhance the value proposition, eBay is syndicating select editorial stories from both Architectural Digest and Archdigest.com about decorating, shopping and design industry news for access via the Collective. The stories allow consumers to access curated content, while inspiring them to shop based on the latest design world trends.
Suzy Deering, eBay’s North America chief marketing officer, said, “eBay’s partnership with Architectural Digest is yet another example of how eBay is providing a truly inspiring shopping experience. By aligning eBay’s unmatched inventory with Architectural Digest’s imagery and content, we’re creating a one-stop destination where inspiration leads to purchase on the same platform.”
