The company has rolled out the first in a series of city -based sites that cater exclusively to locals. It is one of a rash of online auction sites gambling on a local boom in the sector. The company, founded by Mark Bowman and Tony Robertson, encourages local small small businesses to sell new or reconditioned goods by auction or at fixed prices. Mr Robertson said a community of online buyers and sellers could be more easily established city by city than nationally.
People feel a lot more comfortable dealing on a local basis.
The site's retail arm sells new books at discounts of up to 33 per cent. It will be expanded to include CDs and other items in demand over the Web. Visitors to the site can also access a comprehensive city entertainment guide covering film, theatre and restaurant listings. Mr Bowman is a software developer and former international management consultant with McKinsey and Co. Mr Robertson is a former public-relations consultant and media secretary to West Australian Premier Richard Court.