7 Ways Retailers Can Leverage Facebook
5. Experiment with social shopping. Retailers today are finding success with new social shopping systems that mirror that "trip to the mall with your friends" experience, Wingo said, adding that there is lots of innovation in this area today. "Some technologies allow Facebook friends to co-shop, browse together, or see which of your friends are online and ask their advice," Wingo said.
6. Experiment with Facbook Credits. This virtual currency launched by social site in 2010 enables users to buy virtual goods in many games and apps on the Facebook platform. The currency is going more mainstream, Wingo said. To wit, in March, Warner Brothers started a test that enabled users to watch "The Dark Knight"on Facebook for a cost of 30 Facebook credits. What's more, "some retailers are experimenting with Facebook credit incentives in lieu of coupons," Wingo said.
7. Experiment with Facebook Deals. This new Facebook program (which is in beta in select markets right now) allows retailers to offer deals to individuals, groups of friends, customer and charities. "Facebook Deals is rumored to be a Groupon killer, Wingo said. "And like Groupon, Facebook Deals is designed for local deals but may turn into a national opportunity quickly."
Melissa Campanelli is Editor-in-Chief of Total Retail. She is an industry veteran, having covered all aspects of retail, tech, digital, e-commerce, and marketing over the past 20 years. Melissa is also the co-founder of the Women in Retail Leadership Circle.
