eBay Launches In Poland

Internet auction company eBay Inc. says it's starting a new Web site in Poland where buyers and sellers can meet and trade.

The service aims to build a local trading community and help grow e-commerce in Poland. It's called eBay Poland (www.ebay.pl).

The site offers online trading in Polish with item prices listed in the Polish zloty. Individuals and small businesses in Poland can list and sell goods and services on the site at no charge. In addition to local trade, eBay Poland users have access to eBay's global marketplace.

While still in the early stages, online shopping in Poland is expanding at a rapid pace. The country's business-to-consumer e-commerce is expected to grow nearly 400 percent over the next three years, from $319 million to $1.2 billion, according to IDC's Internet Commerce Model of January 2004, says eBay of San Jose.