A raft of Australian fashion brands have signed up to sell garments on a new eBay Fashion Gallery launched this week.
But from early retailer feedback it appears a large proportion of the eBay destined ranges will be stock which might otherwise be destined for outlet malls.
eBay says the Fashion Gallery gives consumers access to new in-season and sale clothing, shoes and accessories direct from the most recognisable and sought after Australian and international fashion brands.
Brands within the dedicated Fashion Gallery site on eBay.com.au will offer a selection of brand new products for both men and women with many items at a significant discount to retail, all available at a fixed price.
Twenty-eight brands have signed up as foundation retailers on the site: Alannah Hill, Hollywood Fashion, Tape, Supre, Autograph, House of Fraser, Wish, Antoine + Stanley, Jigsaw, Witchery, Bardot, Katies, Zanerobe, Bras N Things, Marcs, Charlie Brown, Mimco, City Chic, Perfume Connection, Cooper Street, Pilgrim, Crossroads, Savile Row Company, David Lawrence, Seafolly, Ed Hardy, Seduce, Herringbone and Shoebox.
eBay says the Fashion Gallery is set to offer Australians “a new, smart way to shop and help them save money on the physical act of shopping, freeing up more of their hard earned cash for great value fashion direct from the brands”.
Iain Nairn, CEO Witchery Holdings Group, said Witchery was committed to staying at the forefront of the online retail revolution.
“Being part of this revolution is recognising that customers want to shop for fashion through multiple online channels. Launching the Witchery and Mimco stores in eBay’s Fashion Gallery will allow us to reach more customers through Australia’s largest online shopping community as well as provide our existing customers with a new channel to shop their favourite Australian fashion brands.”
Anthony Halas, CEO Seafolly said his company’s decision to list product on Fashion Gallery was part of a broader multi-channel strategy which brings the brand to Australian consumers whether they choose to shop online from home or in their local shopping centre.
And Gary Perlstein, CEO of Specialty Fashion Group, said with the majority of the online shopping population visiting eBay every month, he was excited by the possibilities the Fashion Gallery opens up for SFG’s brands.
The online retailer will be marketing the subsite as a means by which consumers can save money not just on the goods, but on the cost of shopping trip to a centre.
“Galaxy Research conducted on behalf of eBay shows that Australians are spending a whopping $14.1billion each year on the actual ‘act’ of shopping before making a purchase,” said eBay in a statement.
“The research shows that the average shopper spends approximately $32 per shopping expedition on expenses alone, including car parking or public transport, lunch and refreshments.
For the younger generation (18-24) who shop most frequently (three times a month) the average spend per shopping trip increased to $39.90.”
Jo-Ann Hicks, eBay fashion spokesperson said fashion sales on eBay.com.au have grown 24 per cent year on year, with a fashion item now sold every 3.5 seconds.
“Australian consumers have long demanded easier access online to the fashion brands they know and love so it’s incredibly exciting to offer those brands direct through the new Fashion Gallery on eBay.”
