Unauthorized online resales worry offline retailers and manufacturers

[mandy]

Retailers are especially concerned about reselling of clothing and accessories, a category that has grown 73% on auction website eBay the past two years.

For retailers, "Jewelry and handbag sales are especially hurt by e-commerce," says Ken Nisch, chairman of retail consulting firm JGA. "More of these items sell online because people don't have to worry about clothing sizes."

Luxury leather goods maker Coach (COH) sends letters telling people that they can't shop at its stores if they are found selling Coach products on eBay. "Unauthorized distributors lack the proper commitment to the Coach product," says Andrea Resnick, the company's spokeswoman...

full article: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/se...ebay_N.htm

[mandy]

A related article:

Williams-Sonoma's Pottery Barn Outlet stores have banned eBay sellers from acquiring inventory at their stores for resale. It appears the policy is not new, but enforcement has been stepped up - possibly due in part to disruptive behavior on the part of eBay resellers.

When contacted about the policy, Pottery Barn Brands Director of Public Relations Leigh Oshirak said, "We have a policy in the outlet stores that states: "We do not sell to wholesalers or other customers intending to resell merchandise they have purchased from our store." There is signage to this effect in all of our outlet stores."...

full article: http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y07/m08/i07/s01