More Consumers Heading to the Online Arms of Multichannel Merchants
Recent reports indicate that more and more consumers are going to the websites of some of their favorite retailers, including Macy’s, Gap and Urban Outfitters, to make a purchase. Reasons for the increase include shoppers becoming more accustomed to online shopping following last year’s high gas prices, a search for competitive deals in a tough economy and low inventories at retailers’ physical stores.
As consumers move more of their shopping online, the stakes become greater for retailers to differentiate their online brands and provide an engaging experience. Social shopping technologies like ShopTogether are one way to encourage fans to bring friends and family to shop with them or connect with others anonymously to get opinions. Once engaged with somebody else on your site, people are less likely to jump away and shop elsewhere for a deal where their friend can’t follow.
As more and more consumers continue to go online and expect a unique, engaging, and even inspiring or fun experience from their favorite retail brands, we expect new customers to push our collaborative tools even further.