First introduced in late 2013 and tested over the last year, eBay's new online retail platform is now ready for brands to use. As an application, the Retail Associate Platform is designed to support in-store activities and increase the value of the average purchase. By combining mobile technology, data and customer service, the platform is able to enhance the experience of making a purchase in-store. For example, with the tablet software, even if a particular store does not have your size in stock, sales associates are able to look up inventory in real-time with a feature called 'Endless Aisle' and arrange for another store to fulfill a customer's request on the spot to ensure that sales are made.
Brands rolling out eBay's Retail Associate Platform include Nine West, in cities like New York and San Francisco.
Hybrid Retail Platforms
eBay's Retail Associate Platform Aims to Increase Brand Engagement
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Technology Integration - The use of mobile technology to enhance the in-store shopping experience creates opportunities for brands to engage customers and increase sales.
2. Real-time Inventory Management - The ability to access real-time inventory information allows brands to provide customers with accurate product availability, improving customer satisfaction and increasing sales.
3. Seamless Omnichannel Integration - By seamlessly integrating online and in-store experiences, brands can create a cohesive shopping journey for customers, leading to higher brand engagement and improved sales.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - The fashion retail industry can leverage mobile technology and real-time inventory management to provide a personalized and convenient shopping experience for customers.
2. Electronics Retail - The electronics retail industry can benefit from seamless omnichannel integration to offer customers a consistent shopping experience across online and offline channels.
3. Home Furnishing Retail - The home furnishing retail industry can utilize mobile technology and real-time inventory management to help customers find the products they need and increase sales.