eBay launches program to help brick and mortar retailers in Lansing, Michigan

Lansing, Michigan, is the second city to take part in eBay’s Revival Partner City Program. The Internet giant will offer a 12-month training program for local entrepreneurs on how to use the eBay marketplace to boost their businesses’ reach and revenue. The program was first launched in Akron, Ohio, earlier this year.

“Our Retail Revival pilot program in Akron, Ohio, has shown the impact online marketplaces and a little bit of training can have in supporting local businesses to grow and thrive in the current retail environment”, said Scott Cutler, eBay’s Senior Vice President for the Americas, in a statement. “The Retail Revival Program will allow us to further support the growth of small businesses throughout the city”, added Lansing’s mayor, Andy Schor.

eBay’s initiative comes at a time in which brick and mortar retailers are struggling. The US has seen over 7,000 store closings in 2017, according to a study by UBS.