Auction site eBay is bringing the outlet mall concept online with the launch of eBay Fashion Outlet on Sept. 19, WWD reports.
The online marketplace will debut with independently-designed virtual storefronts from Neiman Marcus Last Call, William Rast, Brooks Brothers, Timberland, Fila, Custo Barcelona and Bluefly, with additional brands -- especially denim, according to the report -- to follow. The selection of goods will be generally discounted between 20-60 percent. According to WWD:
“We’ve been on a journey since April 2010 to focus in on fashion more than before,” said Miriam Lahage, general manager, eBay fashion, citing the creation of a dedicated fashion destination, fashion.ebay.com; limited edition collections from Narciso Rodriguez and Derek Lam, whose line was crowdsourced, and the addition of the “Fashion Vault” flash sale feature. EBay has also partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America on an ongoing anticounterfeiting campaign.
From a fashion standpoint, the inaugural set of labels isn't exactly spectacular -- especially considering rivals like Net-a-Porter's outlet site, The Outnet, and of course flash sale sites like Gilt Groupe and Rue La La in the competitive set.
