Most people appreciate that little vote of confidence prior to a purchase - no matter how big or small.
Do I want those pants in red or white?
Should I get a 26" or 42" TV?
A full-size sofa or loveseat with a pull-out?
Gold or silver earrings? Or both?
Easy to get a pal's opinion when you're browsing together, but what about when you're shopping online - at home or at work - with NO ONE to help!?!
With online engagement growing faster than ever, "social shopping" is beginning to change the game for online shoppers...and retailers. Tools like ShopTogether® -- where shoppers can ask questions, share comments, and more -- boast stats like:
• 25 percent more items placed in cart
• 50 percent higher average order value
• 400 percent more time spent on site
For online retailers, this can be huge. Charlotte Russe and PetCo Animal Supplies are reaping the benefits of integrating social media of all mediums into their shopping experiences - from fashion shows on YouTube to new product debuts on Facebook fan pages. (Read more here.)
For all the fitness fashionistas, I highly recommend Lululemon's Facebook fan page. A great way to converse about favorite new products, workout tips, store offerings and more.
As more and more people turn to their favorite online channels for recommendations on purchasing decisions, marketers have a unique opportunity to join consumers in conversations and become the professional 'pal,' providing opinions and insights into even the smallest shopping woes.
The bottom line for me and my friends? We can shop for all our seasonal must-haves and play "the great purchase debate," minus the chaos of Chicago's Michigan Avenue.
Do I want those pants in red or white?
Should I get a 26" or 42" TV?
A full-size sofa or loveseat with a pull-out?
Gold or silver earrings? Or both?
Easy to get a pal's opinion when you're browsing together, but what about when you're shopping online - at home or at work - with NO ONE to help!?!
With online engagement growing faster than ever, "social shopping" is beginning to change the game for online shoppers...and retailers. Tools like ShopTogether® -- where shoppers can ask questions, share comments, and more -- boast stats like:
• 25 percent more items placed in cart
• 50 percent higher average order value
• 400 percent more time spent on site
For online retailers, this can be huge. Charlotte Russe and PetCo Animal Supplies are reaping the benefits of integrating social media of all mediums into their shopping experiences - from fashion shows on YouTube to new product debuts on Facebook fan pages. (Read more here.)
For all the fitness fashionistas, I highly recommend Lululemon's Facebook fan page. A great way to converse about favorite new products, workout tips, store offerings and more.
As more and more people turn to their favorite online channels for recommendations on purchasing decisions, marketers have a unique opportunity to join consumers in conversations and become the professional 'pal,' providing opinions and insights into even the smallest shopping woes. The bottom line for me and my friends? We can shop for all our seasonal must-haves and play "the great purchase debate," minus the chaos of Chicago's Michigan Avenue.
