eBay's latest launch looks to the past

eBay and TIAS.com plan to announce today that they have launched a virtual antiques mall on the leading auction site.

As earlier reported, the new site features items from antiques dealers across the country. It also provides home pages for several real-world antiques malls and links to their eBay auctions.

Phil Davies, CEO of The Internet Antique Stores (TIAS.com), on their deal with eBay to offer antiques.

Antiques malls are antique centers that feature items from dozens of dealers under one roof.

TIAS.com, which stands for "The Internet Antique Shop," helps antiques malls and dealers set up shop on the Internet. Dealers can sell not only through TIAS, but also through classified ads on sites such as Excite@Home.

The antique mall is eBay's latest step to create specialized areas within its popular service. In recent months, the company has launched a high-end Great Collections site, eBay Chinatown and eBay-Autotrader for used cars.