Method of and system for providing an online marketplace having global reach and local focus

摘要

An online marketplace having global reach and local focus is described. A Web-site including an item catalog that is searchable and browsable is provided. When a user browses or searches the Web-site, local items are presented more prominently and the non-local items are presented less prominently, perhaps in clearly differentiated sections and/or perhaps by manipulating the order in which the items are presented. According to one embodiment, the invention promotes local transactions because items local to the buyers would have a higher visibility than non-local items. At the same time, the invention enables the sellers to showcase their items to a global audience, and gives flexibility to the buyer to purchase items from a non-local source.