Retail Revival harnesses the power of technology and eBay’s global marketplace to support and grow small businesses, strengthen local economies and foster vibrant community growth. Launched in select cities in 2018, retailers are learning from eBay how to reach new markets and attract customers from virtually anywhere in the world.
eBay is teaming up with the cities of Akron, Ohio; Lansing, Michigan; Greensboro, North Carolina; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; and Wolverhampton, UK, to train and empower local business owners to sell their unique inventory in a global marketplace.
As a small, independent business we focus 90% of our time on making our products the best they can be. We’re a proud Wolverhampton business and we want to use the internet to show the world what we can do.
Goodstart Jones is a British Bag & Luggage label born out of a passion for creative exploration, adventure and social experiences. Using sustainably sourced wood, Wolverhampton local, Paul Jones, and his team create unique, functional and high-quality designs that will last.
As a small, independent business we focus 90% of our time on making our products the best they can be. We’re a proud Wolverhampton business and we want to use the internet to show the world what we can do.
Located in Wolverhampton, in the heart of the UK, Goodstart Jones is a small, independent business that designs and produces stylish, innovative backpacks “for the sociable urban adventurer and cultural explorer.”
Their signature ‘Woodsack Collection’ is a manifestation of Goodstart’s belief in the importance of practicality, creativity and individuality, featuring a distinctive panel of eco-friendly wood for extra durability.
The business currently employs three people and operates by founder Paul Jones’s mantra: “Make a good start, Jones."
Paul hopes to expand Goodstart Jones in the future and utilize eBay's global reach to attract more international customers in Asian markets.
There's something to be said for the fact that one company handled everything from start to finish. It's like us handing off a piece of our artwork.
The Social Dept. started as a passion project in Andy and Christy Taray's garage in Akron, Ohio. Running a true mom-and-pop shop out of their home, Andy and Christy were able to be present for their two kids while running a burgeoning business. The Social Dept. soon took off and now employs five others in Akron.
There's something to be said for the fact that one company handled everything from start to finish. It's like us handing off a piece of our artwork.
Graphic and fashion designers by trade, Andy and Christy use quirky t-shirts to help people everywhere convey their hometown pride. The Social Dept. offers nearly 400 t-shirts and other apparel that touch on everything from humorous local references to various cities and states to the latest pop culture and food trends. Many of their t-shirts also feature creations for design and typography lovers. Despite the company’s fast growth, The Social Dept. team still screen-prints all designs by hand in Akron, a painstaking process that lends a personal touch to each and every shirt that gives them great pride.
Once you purchase one of their tees, Andy hopes it stays with you a long time. “I like the thought that someone will grab one of our shirts, and it goes into their favorite t-shirt pile,” he said. And if you find yourself wearing one of Andy and Christy’s hyper-local designs, like their “We're under way at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario” shirt for Cleveland Indians fans, don’t be surprised if it becomes a conversation starter for those who want in on the inside joke. That’s the magic of The Social Dept.
I love to help adults play outdoors again! We provide fun, durable bicycles and products to help people get outside all year in all weather. Rain, wind and snow can be really fun to explore in with a little help from us.
Lifelong cyclist Ryan Adams wasn’t born when an oil slick on Ohio’s Cuyahoga River caught fire and shined a national spotlight on water pollution. Still he decided to name his business, Dirty River Bicycle Works, after the infamous 1969 fire that helped spur the passage of the Clean Water Act. Ryan wants all of us to learn from the mistakes of history and be better stewards of our natural resources.
I love to help adults play outdoors again! We provide fun, durable bicycles and products to help people get outside all year in all weather. Rain, wind and snow can be really fun to explore in with a little help from us.
Dirty River Bicycle Works, located in downtown Akron, Ohio, aims to encourage exploration on two wheels—whether that's a quick trip down the street or a day trip to a nearby national park.
Ryan, who spent 20 years working on bikes in some capacity, decided to take a chance on his biggest passion. He quit his day job, sought out small business training and eventually opened Dirty River. Two years later, and with the help of some good friends, Ryan has more work than he knows what to do with, and he’s not looking back. “I can just be myself. I'm putting myself out there, trying to help people by getting them the customer service I would want to have, and provide products and services that are unique and a lot of fun,” Ryan said.
Check out Dirty River Bicycle Works for your next street bike or piece of cycling gear. And if you're looking for new biking friends, join Ryan on one of his regular community bike rides.
eBay enables everyone to participate in—and benefit from—global commerce.
U.S. small businesses on eBay employ more than 690,000 people. See the positive impact driven by eBay’s 6+ million sellers.
Our archive summary can be accessed here: 2016 Global Impact Summary
