Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the City Management has promoted and implemented numerous support measures for local retailers, restaurants, and service providers through special funds from the City of Erlangen. One topic has been discussed repeatedly: a local online marketplace for Erlangen. This idea is now being implemented by the City Management – supported by funds from the City of Erlangen. "However, a local marketplace only gains traction with customers if it offers a strong, substantial product range as well as an effective brand," says Christian Frank, Chairman of the City Management. Therefore, to strengthen local commerce, the City Management of Erlangen has acquired a license to cooperate with "eBay Your City" as a pilot project for one year. "For us, this is the logical commercial development of our "Shop Window" portal, which we launched during the lockdown," continues Christian Frank. When "Erlangen on eBay" launches, more than 100 commercial eBay retailers from Erlangen will already be participating – many of them with brick-and-mortar stores. Through our collaboration with eBay Your City, both members of the city management and non-members can set up their own online shop free of charge. The only requirement is that they have their own eBay shop.
With the new local online marketplace, Erlangen becomes part of a Germany-wide project. This creates a place for trade, but also a meeting place. Users will find a wide selection of products as well as information from and about Erlangen, such as event dates. Retailers interested in a digital presence can position themselves here with little effort and at no additional cost. On their own shop page, they have the option of providing information about their store history, contact details, and opening hours in addition to their products. A Google MapsTM-Integration also allows customers to see where the store is located so they can walk right past.
Commercial eBay sellers from Erlangen will automatically be listed on the local platform in addition to eBay.de. This means there are no additional costs for eBay sellers. Furthermore, eBay makes it easier with its Take-off program a quick and easy entry into online trading. Newcomers will be exempt from sales commission for the first three months, and they will also receive a free eBay Premium Shop for six months, as well as personalized advice from the eBay Concierge service. "I am delighted that the City Council has chosen this attractive opportunity to support our retailers even after the coronavirus pandemic," said Konrad Beugel from the Department of Economics and Finance.