New Service Tracks eBay Shopping Trends Through a Pop Culture Lens

SEATTLE -- Nov. 3, 2006 -- Mpire, the leading online shopping service that empowers consumers to find the right product at the right price, today announced the launch of eBay Pop (http://www.ebay.com/ebaypop), a new, free service that captures the buying buzz and sales trends on eBay in a fun, informative way - with a twist of current events and pop culture. Working with eBay, Mpire developed eBay Pop, including its design, sales data and analysis, interactive games, editorial content and a blog.

Consumers can now access, free of charge, a variety of sales trends including top items sold on eBay, ranging from iPods and Xboxes, to NASCAR collectibles and current-event memorabilia. Sales figures related to various topics and search terms within eBay Pop are a reflection of the shopping habits of nearly 94 million Americans on eBay.com, which has become a barometer for popular culture.

"No other site offers the information we're providing," says Matt Hulett, chairman and CEO of Mpire. "eBay Pop offers completely unique information that gives shoppers a simple and fun way to accurately watch the latest buying trends on eBay."

Mpire's eBay Pop provides a new level of insight into buying trends since it includes data based on actual eBay transactions, not just search or page view data.

"Mpire's eBay Pop is a great example of innovation on the eBay platform," said Adam Trachtenberg, Senior Manager, eBay Developer Program. "Mpire has used our Developers Program to create a new, fun and informative tool that consumers can use to stay on the pulse of pop culture."

Mpire's eBay Pop is helpful for virtually everyone, from parents to gadget guys to pop culture junkies. As the holiday season approaches, eBay Pop gives consumers insight into the hot toys, such as the TMX Tickle Me Elmo, and their average selling prices on eBay. The site also tracks the sale of some of the season's hottest anticipated gadgets and game systems, including the PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii.

In addition to tracking sales trends, Mpire's eBay Pop also features news headlines from Flashnews.com, as well as a blog that examines buying trends related to current events and popular culture, such as vintage rock and roll t-shirts, the upcoming elections and celebrities.

About Mpire

Mpire empowers the millions of people who shop online to find the right product at the right price. The company's online shopping services save consumers valuable time and provide them with powerful insights, enabling them to make better decisions. Founded in 2005, Mpire is backed by Ignition Partners and former eBay executive Richard Rock. Please visit http://www.mpire.com for more information.

Mpire is a trademark of Mpire, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.