Welcome to the new eBay Pop

eBay Pop is 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. So what does that all mean, exactly? With the eBay.com marketplace as a reflection of the shopping habits of 94 million Americans, it has become a barometer of pop culture and compass of buying trends today. Not to mention, there's an uncanny resemblance to offline events and related purchases on eBay, everything from American Idol to major sporting events and tech toys to Tickle Me Elmo.

The centerpiece of eBay Pop is the Movers and Shakers, which is in itself a mini stock market of product pricing (without the messy, paper-filled trading floor). It can take months for retailers to report sales in their stores across the country, and when it comes to particular items, good luck. On a nightly basis, updates various lists including the most popular and those that are seeing the most movement, both up and down. There's lots more to enjoy on eBay Pop, so jump and and let us know what you think.

Dem Items Surging; Obama Trumping Woodward

With less than a week before Nov. 7 elections, it seems Democrats are making a late surge in political purchasing on eBay. Over the past two weeks, Democrat-related items, including pins, t-shirts, buttons, and bumper stickers, are up 67% in total items sold. Republican-related items of the same ilk have also seen a jump since mid October, up 28% -- a far cry from the Dem figure but more in volume.

During October, items related to Barack Obama (D-Ill.) have skyrocketed 630%, primarily in the Books and collectibles categories The Senator's book "The Audacity of Hope" has sold nearly 240 copies on eBay over the past two weeks, which trumps any of the books currently on the New York Times' hardcover political best seller list. Tops on that list, "State of Denial" by Bob Woodward has sold 130 copies on eBay since mid October, while No. 2 on the list, "Culture Warrior" by Bill O'Reilly has kept close pace with Obama at 228 sold over the same period, based on eBay Marketplace Research data.