eBay UK, the pioneering online marketplace for buying and selling sneakers, is extending its ‘Authenticity Guarantee’ programme to children’s footwear, responding to the 86% of parents seeking branded sneakers for their kids. Searches for popular models like ‘Kids Nike Dunks’ have surged by nearly 140% on eBay over the past year, demonstrating the growing significance of children’s sneakers in the market. Searches for children’s New Balance shoes have also doubled in the past month, reflecting the brand’s overall resurgence.
eBay’s team of sneaker authenticators will scrutinise and confirm the authenticity of the most popular children’s sneakers priced over £100, encompassing both brand new and pre-owned pairs. The service will cover infant/toddler sizes starting at UK size 1, as well as pre-school and grade school sizes up to UK size 6.
Wahaaj Shabbir, Head of Sneakers at eBay UK, emphasised the importance of authentication for all ages and shoe sizes, as parents increasingly seek matching pairs for themselves and their children. As smaller sizes become more popular, eBay aims to ensure trust and reliable service through its ‘Authenticity Guarantee’ programme.
The expansion comes amid a demographic and economic shift in the designer sneaker and streetwear market. The Global Children Shoe market is expected to grow by $5.3 billion by 2026, and 68% of parents spend more on their children’s fashion than their own. Furthermore, 85% of parents seek assurance of authenticity when purchasing children’s designer fashion to guarantee quality and peace of mind.
The ‘Authenticity Guarantee’ programme, which already covers adult sneakers, watches, and luxury handbags, is set to include more categories, as eBay aims to continue driving growth in high-value sectors and establish itself as a trusted marketplace for luxury and high-quality goods resale.
The ‘Authenticity Guarantee’ process entails the seller shipping the purchased sneakers to eBay’s authentication centre, where independent inspectors conduct a thorough multi-point physical inspection. Once authenticated, the sneakers are expedited to the buyer, with an eBay tag embedded with NFC chip technology attached to certify authenticity. The programme also offers a verified returns process for sellers who accept returns, ensuring the exact item initially sold is returned in its original condition.
