Retail is an attractive and dynamic industry that is currently undergoing many transformations. That is to say, although traditional retailing is not ceasing to exist, there has been a massive growth in online shopping, an opportunity that eBay is trying to capitalize on, but not without challenges.
In light of changing market demands and retail initiatives from its competitors, lately Amazon’s same-day-delivery and locker pickup services, eBay is constantly pressured towards “innovating, reimagining the store and what it means to shop” (Wenig, eBay President, 2013).
Precisely, eBay is “continuing to find new ways to connect buyers and sellers” (Wenig, 2013), as exemplified by the launch of its one hour delivery service, “eBay now”, last year in the United States. Most recently, the firm has joined forces with Argos for the novel “click-and-collect” initiative. The latter will increase consumers’ convenience by allowing them to make online orders from eBay and collect their purchases from 150 Argos stores across the United Kingdom.
As a result, as “the distinction between offline and online shopping continues to blur” (Wenig, 2013); in other words, as the industry becomes more dynamic and competitive, the continual adaptation of eBay has become prominent to ensure its profitability.
Website: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/sep/24/ebay-argos-click-and-collect-service