eBay Brings Akron’s Innovative Entrepreneurs to New York City

This month, eBay takes over retail concept store, The New Stand, to bring a collection of new and unique items from Akron to the Big Apple. Earlier this year, the city of Akron, Ohio and eBay piloted Retail Revival - a first-of-its-kind mentorship program to support the growth of the city’s local businesses and provide the tools and resources they need to get their businesses up and running online. Some of the Akron businesses showcased at the New Stand locations include essential oils from Handkraffted, skateboard light fixtures from Whiskertin, original artwork from Art of Matt Miller and local-favorite craft sodas from NORKA Beverage Co.

New York City, Meet Akron

Once known as the rubber capital of the world, Akron is home to a burgeoning community of entrepreneurs who have been receiving ongoing training and resources from eBay to expand on the marketplace. Now halfway into the program and thousands of sales to more than 50 countries later, eBay is giving them a retail presence in the heart of New York City.

“We’re bringing the best of Akron’s entrepreneurs and artisans to New York City to help them expand their reach to new audiences,” said Chris Librie, head of Global Impact at eBay. “Through the power of eBay’s platform and shoppers in New York and beyond, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the growth of local retailers and their communities.”

Shop eBay at New Stand

For a limited time, shoppers can visit The New Stand - the modern newsstand - in Brookfield Place and the Union Square subway station to browse and buy a collection of made in Akron products. There’s something for everyone - from cruelty-free makeup to original streetwear, tiny arcade games, award-winning barbeque sauce, and much more. 

• New Stand at Brookfield Place (230 Vesey Street, NYC) through August 24
  • Monday-Friday: 8AM - 8PM 
  • Saturday: 10AM - 8PM
  • Sunday: 12PM - 6PM

• New Stand at Union Square Subway Station (4 Union Sq. E, NYC) through August 15
  • Monday-Friday: 8AM-8PM
  • Saturday-Sunday: 10AM-6PM

Get a Taste of Akron

For shoppers who can’t make it to New Stand’s NYC locations, shoppers can experience a ‘Taste of Akron’ with the purchase of limited edition boxes at eBay.com/Akron. Each box includes fair-trade coffee beans from Sure House Coffee Roasting Company, hand-drawn cards from Five Blessings, sustainable fruit snacks from Peaceful Fruits, gaming devices that bring augmented reality to the palm of your hand from New Territory, and all-natural beeswax moisturizer from Akron Honey Company. Taste of Akron boxes retail for $35, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting The Well CDC – a community development organization committed to investing in the individual lives and social health of the neighborhoods of Akron. 

In the coming months, eBay will expand Retail Revival to its second city - Lansing, MI - to partner with the city’s local retailers, and help them boost their reach and revenue. Shoppers can follow eBay Newsroom on Twitter to get the latest on when new items from Lansing businesses will be available on eBay.

To browse more made in Akron items spanning fashion, food, electronics, art, and more, visit eBay.com/Akron. To learn more about Retail Revival and eBay’s founding purpose of creating meaningful economic opportunity for all, visit here.