Advertisement
Advertisement

eBay launches livestream shopping platform in Canada with auctions tied to fan conventions

Date:

Share post:

eBay Canada has launched its eBay Live platform in Canada, introducing a livestream shopping format aimed at collectors and enthusiasts and debuting the service alongside two major fan conventions this week.

The company said the interactive platform combines real-time video streaming with buying and bidding tools, allowing shoppers to connect with sellers and participate in auctions during live broadcasts.

The Canadian rollout coincides with Fan Expo Vancouver and the Collectors Supershow, where eBay Live programming will run from Feb. 13 to 16. The streams will include appearances by athletes Doug Gilmour and Joseph Woll.

Real-time auctions for collectors

To mark the Canadian debut, eBay said it will auction two trading cards on the platform starting at $1, with 30-second extended bidding during the livestream events.

The items are:

The company said searches for Macklin Celebrini on eBay.ca in 2025 rose more than 800 per cent compared with 2024. It also said searches for Pokémon increased more than 70 per cent over the same period, with Charizard identified as the most-searched Pokémon on the site in 2025.

Collectors will be able to participate in the auctions exclusively through eBay Live.

Strategy focused on community commerce

Caroline Pougnier, director of eBay Live, North America, said the platform is designed to blend entertainment and commerce within the company’s existing marketplace.

Caroline Pougnier
Caroline Pougnier

“eBay Live brings the energy and fun of live discovery together with the trust eBay is known for,” said Caroline Pougnier, Director of eBay Live, North America. “It gives Canadian buyers a more interactive way to discover great inventory, connect with knowledgeable sellers, and engage with the collecting community – all within eBay’s trusted marketplace.”

Shoppers can preview the programming schedule and sign up for reminders through the company’s website.

Global expansion of livestream model

The company said eBay Live first launched in the United States in 2022 and has since expanded to Australia, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The livestream format allows buyers to ask questions in real time, view items up close and complete purchases through mobile devices, desktop computers or the app.

According to the company, celebrity guests who have appeared on eBay Live in other markets include Elton John, The Backstreet Boys, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rob Gronkowski, Sophie Cunningham, Logan Paul, Pete Davidson and Ken Goldin.

Company profile

eBay Inc. said it operates in more than 190 markets globally. The company was founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif.

In 2024, it enabled US$75 billion of gross merchandise volume, according to the company.

The Canadian launch of eBay Live extends the company’s livestream commerce offering to another market as it targets collectors and fan communities through event-based programming and exclusive auctions.

More from Retail Insider:

Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary, has more than 40 years experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, faith, city and breaking news, and business. He is the Co-Editor-in-Chief with Retail Insider in addition to working as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Mario was named as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From The Author

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

Related articles