Applications Now Open for Retail Revival Program in Austin

This fall, eBay is expanding its Retail Revival program to the Texas capital. Applications are now open for Austin small businesses to join Retail Revival, an innovative program designed to equip local retailers with the skills and training needed to thrive in our global marketplace. 

One of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Austin is renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Austin is also home to one of eBay’s largest corporate offices. For more than a decade, eBay has been an active member of the local community. In the last five years alone, our Austin office employees served over 4,500 volunteer hours in the city and supported dozens of nonprofits through grants and donations. We’re also proud to have been named among “Austin Best Workplaces” since 2010. 

“Through our Retail Revival program, we want to deepen our reach into the Austin community and help more local small businesses bring their unique products to new customers around the world,” said Mike Petersen, head of eBay’s Austin office. “We love our city, and we’re committed to ensuring that its continued growth is as inclusive and vibrant as Austin itself.”

Participating Retail Revival sellers receive comprehensive training, personalized coaching and promotional support from our teams - all at no cost. Austin joins other partner cities including Akron, Ohio; Lansing, Michigan; Wolverhampton, U.K.; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana in showcasing its small business community to eBay’s 182M customers around the world.

Chris Holbrook, owner of the Austin-based online footwear store “Sneaker Jesus,” noted that becoming an eBay seller enabled him to become a full-time entrepreneur and give back to his community. 

“There is no other resource that has been a bigger contributor to my business’ success than eBay,” he said. “Without eBay, we would never be able to get even a fraction of the exposure that we achieve with our listings. I’m thrilled to see Retail Revival program expanding to my hometown.” 

In the lead-up to the program’s October 10 launch, eBay is also looking forward to joining Austin’s dynamic community of artists and makers at Pecan Street Festival, September 21-22.  As a festival sponsor, we’ll be showcasing some of the unique handmade products eBay has to offer at our booth, located near the intersection of 6th Street and Neches. Austinites are encouraged to stop by to shop and for a shot at winning some great prizes.

The Retail Revival application period opens today, and will close on Tuesday, September 24. Local businesses can learn more and apply at ebayinc.com/Austin.