Breakfast Briefing: Retail News on Facebook, Co-op, Alibaba, Regal Rose

Facebook allows sale of second-hand goods

Facebook is taking on online auction house eBay with the launch of its own second-hand goods service allowing members to flog items such as used appliances, unwanted event tickets and electronics. This comes after the introduction of an official ‘sell’ button to its site, functionality which has now been enhanced by an expanded search tool and category filters for public and private transactions. Currently in its testing phase, the programme is expected to roll out to all users over the coming months.

Co-op chief says previous bosses ‘undermanaged’ firm

Co-operative Group chief executive Richard Pennycook has said that the organisation had been ‘undermanaged’ in the past. Pennycook told BBC Radio 5 live that the group had been ‘let down’ by its former management. However, recent changes to its structure and governance should rectify that situation, according to him.

It now needed to become ‘better at business’ and return to making profits, he added. “Just applying good management disciplines and taking out costs can improve profitability,” said Pennycook.

Meanwhile, the group has said that votes for election to its members’ council have been miscounted, and in another development, that it has been forced to extend the period in which members can cast their votes in the run-up to Saturday’s annual general meeting.

Disney agrees Avengers deal with Alibaba

Disney has agreed a deal to sell its Avengers: Age of Ultron products on Alibaba’s ecommerce marketplace Tmall.com. It will make the website the first exclusive distributor of the Marvel merchandise in China, the Daily Telegraph reports

Regal Rose hires DBD Media for social media campaign

Online fashion jewellery and accessories boutique Regal Rose has tapped DBD Media to handle social media, blogger outreach and SEO activity. The retailer is targeting fashion conscious individuals between the ages of 16 and 35.