While social networking becomes further integrated into the lives of EVERYONE, rather than just the tech-savvy, developers and retailers have awakened to the idea that there's fun to be had and money to be made in the world of social shopping.
Using tools like Facebook and Twitter, social shopping allows groups of friends or like-minded people to become involved in the shopping experience, recommending products to one another and bookmarking their favorites for the world to see. Here are 10 sites that have made social shopping — or a version of it — their primary focus, each approaching the concept in slightly different ways.
- Svpply: This site allows users to curate wish lists, follow one another, and become online tastemakers. The layout is minimal, and the aesthetic tends towards edgy, innovative products.
- Pinterest: This site describes itself as "a virtual pinboard — a place where you can post collections of things you love, and 'follow' collections created by people with great taste." Users can bookmark products or photos and follow one another's inspiration boards.
- Modcloth: A more traditional retail site, ModCloth nonetheless uses Twitter and Facebook to connect with readers and solicit product reviews. Their "Be the Buyer" program allows users to vote on potential products, and Modcloth stocks or doesn't stock inventory based on real-time shopper feedback.
- The Daily Grommet: Although the content on this eco-shopping site is heavily edited (unlike true social shopping sites) the Daily Grommet's mission involves what they call "Citizen Commerce" — the team asks readers for tips and product recommendations, which get posted in their Citizens' Gallery.
- Wanelo: Wanelo combines the words 'want,' 'need,' and 'love' into one branded website for shoppers who can follow one another and see what's popular. Users of this site lean towards edgy, hipsterish products like suitcase chairs and gramophone iPod docks.
- JustBoughtIt!: Like many other social shopping sites, this one uses Twitter and Facebook to collect favorite products from the community. People snap a photo or grab a screenshot online, then share their purchases and comment on what others are buying. Although most users post fashion finds, there are some home products, which users post from all over the world.
- Storenvy: This site connects independent sellers with buyers — aka the Etsy model — but it's more integrated into social media, allowing users to easily "follow" stores, post finds to Facebook, and tweet their favorites.
- vi.sualize.us: Like Pinterest, this site allows users to bookmark photos they find around the web. An Etsy-ish layout and lots of handmade finds make it more craft-centric than the other sites listed here.
- Polyvore: This site is a monster of social shopping and, although its main focus is fashion, it also has a loyal following of would-be-interior-designers who use the site to mock up inspiration boards filled with home products.
- MyDeco: Originally launched in the UK, MyDeco now has a US site as well. Its primary focus is interior design and home decor, and — like Polyvore — it allows users to mock up virtual rooms that they populate with favorite products.
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you missed sellsimply, its one to watch. new and already on the radar. http://sellsimp.ly/
Potentially weird question- but that pink print in the photo, of what looks like two elderly folks sitting in arm chairs- where did that come from?
Anyone know?
Funny, I don't think of pinterest as a shopping site at all, just for looking. In fact, I would hazard to guess that by definition, unless the site points to or enables a transaction, it's not shopping.
khillier, its called Grannies and is by Banksy. They are knitting sweaters, one with Punks Not Dead and the other Thug For Life.
Pinterest is not 100% a shopping site, but it's still addictive, and I do use it to bookmark stuff I want to buy online in the future, so there's that aspect of it. I like boutiques.com too, but the recommendations are not personalized enough for me.
So great to see Wanelo on this list! Thanks Apartment Therapy :)
I just joined Pinterest and am officially addicted! Although it isn't a shopping site per se, if you link to an actual product page it makes it easier to buy things in the future. And I find it much more useful and organized than the GIGANTIC inspiration file on my computer ;)
Keep an eye out for PureHome.com, a soon to launch home decor industry specific social trading hub. The beta product will be released soon, you can sign up for an invite on the home page now. http://www.purehome.com
Pure Home is the home decor experience that helps you find the perfect colors to express the heart of every room. From floor to ceiling – we take the guesswork out of correct color selection with a simple, intuitive process that gives you endless design possibilities.
Start with our InspirTM Color Select Assessment. Get inspired and find the exact furnishings custom- selected for you, (your palette) and your home. Then share the results with your friends on Facebook or take your Pure Home colors and product recommendations shopping on your mobile device.
Easy, Stress-free home decorating with professionally inspired results.
I love that people are so excited about social shopping. I agree that it's much more fun than traditional online shopping.
When I saw this post, I had to look up and see if my Grannies print was still on my wall. It looks like it's even been framed by the same person - identical!
I'm on the founding team at Storenvy -- this is an excellent list, thanks for including us!
I use thefind.com for social shopping. Let's me personalize my shopping by only seeing products from stores/brands I like or my friends like. Great mobile app too.
I've been scoping out Pinterest for a little while now and I can't wait to join in on the fun! I've been put on a waiting list though -- anyone out there care to share an invite?
Have you heard of Zecozi? It's a sustainable marketplace built around social shopping. Pretty interesting concept.
Her is one of the easiest to navigate shopping sites. It is http;//www.qpricing.com
Sorry I gave you a bad link. Click Here to go to Qpricing
Here is another social shopping site where you can earn money by sharing the products w/ your friends:
http://www.beamsnap.com
Here is another social shopping site where you can earn money by sharing the products w/ your friends:
www.beamsnap.com
the latest is luboh.com it allows people to ask and tell their selected friends and also tell the world anonymously. Useful for people anywhere in the world to find how much products and services cost and where they can get them from. It also has price comparisons.
Virtubizz.com launched on 14 Mar 2012, is a website that allows local, national or international companies to List Services and Advertise Specials for FREE, direct to the public with the added benefit of rating the business experience to create a transparency to each deal.
And for 2012, you got to watch http://bizspeaking.com/
Just found this thread through Pinterest.....if anyone's out there- anybody know where the desk they're working at is from?? Swoon!
http://digghoo.com the best social shopping website in India
year 2013 will be big on social shopping area. there are several websites came up recently and it is very interesting. wanalo is one example, other sites cater to specific needs include yogasuthra for Yoga accessories as example.