Ebay UK to extend auction site into fixed-price retailing

Auction site Ebay.co.UK is following the lead of its US parent by moving into fixed-price, person-to-person retailing.

The company has appointed Tanya Cordrey to the position of director of market development, who will spearhead the move.

The appointment follows the introduction of a “Buy it Now” facility onto the site. This service enables sellers to indicate if they are prepared to sell their item for a fixed price.

Cordrey joins from the now-defunct Etoys Europe where she was general manager of BabyCentre.- co.UK. She has also worked as a senior strategy manager at BBC News for new media, television and radio, and as a new media adviser for companies such as Boots, Hollinger and Emap.

Jennifer Mowat, country manager of Ebay UK, says Cordrey’s appointment “demonstrates our commitment to sustained growth, along the lines of the US model. ‘Buy It Now’ has proved to be remarkably successful in the US, adding great benefits for retailers. It is a key addition to our already successful auction service, and requires direction from someone with Tanya’s track record.”