The Australian Retailers Association (ARA), PayPal and eBay have signed a partnership to reflect retail landscape’s shift towards digital retailing.

The ARA will be able offer support to its retail members as they integrate multichannel initiatives into their business models.

ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said the partnership will give members access to services providers who are leaders in digital operations.

“Recent initiatives from both PayPal and eBay show they have support for small business at the forefront of their business objectives, and this aligns perfectly with ARA’s longstanding history in ensuring retail success.

“An estimated 80 per cent of ARA’s members fit the description of a ‘small business’. When embarking on the multichannel journey for the first time, our retailers ask questions ranging from, ‘Where do I start?’ right through to, ‘How do I ensure my business is the fully integrated, multichannel offering my customers now demand?’

Deborah Sharkey, eBay Vice President, said: “Australian consumers are rapidly changing their shopping habits, embracing the use of mobile like never before. Advances in technology have also provided retailers with an opportunity to reach new audiences in new ways.  With over 6 million Australians visiting the site each month, eBay continues to partner with Australian retailers to enhance their online and mobile presence. eBay is delighted to partner with the ARA, to support the needs of businesses and consumers trading in this new retail environment.”