eBay UK will launch one of the biggest advertising campaigns in its 11-year history, according to the Guardian. The UK newspaper did not say how much eBay was spending exactly, but said ads promoting the eBay Fashion Outlet would appear on buses, billboards and in train stations across the UK, and would include expensive ads in top fashion magazines.

eBay has been partnering with big names in fashion and retailing to grow its Fashion Outlet in the UK and its Fashion portal in the U.S., where you'll find stores from designers including Calvin Klein. The company is pitching itself to designer brands as a "cost-effective, highly competitive distribution channel," while attracting shoppers with off-price goods delivered through a "compelling shopping environment" including daily deals, mobile, a more visual shopping experience that includes a "More Like This" feature, and curating and content, such as this page featuring interviews with celebrity stylists.

eBay will face increasing competition from Amazon.com, which is also aggressively pursuing the clothing category and recently began offering free return shipping on eligible items in the clothing category.

eBay's new fashion Chief Miriam Lahage said eBay has 10 million fashion buyers and 20 million fashion listings daily. In a recent company press release, she said, "We have a lot of exciting partnerships at the planning stage right now. Our customers are in for some nice surprises - we'll share the details as soon as we can."

eBay CEO John Donahoe recently stated his commitment to delivering fashion consumers "the broadest selection of clothing, shoes and accessories online at incredible value." eBay is apparently backing up the commitment with ad dollars this fall.