Rue La La Debuts on eBay

eBay Inc. Staff

eBay Fashion makes a strategic partnership with the designer flash-sale destination.

Rue La La® on eBay launched on Oct. 15, featuring some of the most sought-after brands in fashion, accessories, jewelry and home – at private-sale prices.  This partnership builds on the success of Rue La La – an exclusive online destination for private sales that is 30% eBay-owned.  

Rue La La on eBay will involve eight sales per week, each lasting 48 hours and featuring items exclusive to eBay for the duration of the sale. While all shopping takes place on eBay, Rue La La handles the shipping and returns.

This new partnership is another milestone in the evolution of eBay Fashion’s deals and merchant development strategy. Retailers benefit from eBay’s innovative technology platforms and have immediate access to millions of customers. Fashion enthusiasts on the hunt for a stylish find can expect an exciting shopping experience with Rue La La on eBay, with highly coveted designer offerings. And it costs nothing to join.  Members receive notifications of new sales via email and through the eBay Fashion app. 

Private sale shopping has experienced tremendous success and excitement since emerging just over five years ago., Today, the industry continues to see incredible year-over-year growth, with Rue La La being one of the most successful players.  

“The private sale industry is at 1 billion dollars today, and it is projected to reach $6 billion by 2015,” said Jeff Somers, Vice President, eBay Fashion. “We fully intend to play a pivotal role in this space by partnering with those companies who bring only the best inventory, price, service, and brand equity to continue to elevate the eBay brand in the hearts and minds of our customers.” 

With 40% of Rue La La’s sales made using a mobile device, Rue La La on eBay presents a significant opportunity for eBay’s mobile strategy. The company reports that the three-screen purchaser (using computer, mobile, and iPad) is 540% more likely to purchase a Rue La La item than their computer-only customer.  According to Rue La La CEO Ben Fischman, “Rue La La thrives on innovating the shopping experience.  It is our mantra to make certain that we are moving as quickly as our members when it comes to technology.  We believe that sales through a mobile device will consistently reach 50% by Holiday 2012.”  Rue La La has been integrated into the eBay Fashion apps with built-in notifications and on-the-go shopping features that enable easy browsing and purchasing.

The launch week lineup includes sales with an abundance of fall boot and designer handbag brands and more. Fashion enthusiasts can also bid on a fashion lover’s dream trip to Fashion Week 2013 in New York City.