The Retail Revival partnership between eBay and the City of Wolverhampton has delivered more than £2 million in sales in its first six months.

The 64 retailers taking part have experienced an average growth of 36 per cent in year-on-year revenue since joining the scheme last September.

A survey of participants showed that 46 per cent are either expanding or planning to expand their physical presence, while 42 per cent have hired or plan to hire additional staff.

Optimism for the year ahead has also increased dramatically among participants, with 100 per cent saying they feel positive about their prospects – up from 35 per cent when the programme was first announced.

The partnership was made after research conducted by Development Economics revealed that a quarter of small retailers across the UK do not have an online presence aimed at generating sales – defined as a website, social media channels or a presence on an online marketplace.

Nearly three quarters (71 per cent) said they had no plans to close this ‘digital gap’ in the future, something that could make for £4.1 billion in additional sales revenue each year, equating to £19,250 in additional annual revenue for each individual business without an online presence.

Retail Revival participants get one-on-one support to create personalised eBay shops, comprehensive training programme that covers eBay selling basics, as well as digital skills such as Search Engine Optimisation and promotional support.

Rob Hattrell, vice president of eBay in the UK, said: “The past few years have been tough for UK retail, but it’s too simplistic to say that online shopping comes at the detriment of the High Street.”

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