Facebook to Expand Social Shopping Features

The move comes as the social media giant plans for the holiday rush and it will include live shopping and storefront window pop-ups.

The holiday programme will kick off on 1 November, with daily live shopping experiences on Facebook and Instagram with brands such as Benefit Cosmetics, Cocokind, Macy’s, Paintbox Nails, Tanya Taylor, Ulta Beauty, Vuori and Walmart. The programming will include exclusive drops and deals, and allow consumers to connect with celebrities, creators and brand experts, according to Facebook. Eligible purchases can be completed directly on the company’s apps using Facebook Pay.

In addition, starting 5 November, Facebook is bringing back #BuyBlack Friday to highlight — and encourage people to support — Black-owned businesses. The show will feature live shopping segments from Black-owned businesses, special guests and other surprises. Weekly #BuyBlack collections will be highlighted on Facebook and Instagram.

#BuyBlack Friday is part of Facebook’s second annual Boost with Facebook: Good Ideas Season program, which gives small businesses access to free resources and training for a successful holiday season. As part of the program, the company is opening Good Ideas Shops in local communities across the United States.

The initiative starts this week in Seattle, Fort Worth and New York City, where consumers can visit storefront window pop-ups to discover local small businesses and shop their products on Facebook and Instagram. Facebook will also dedicate a storefront window in Los Angeles for people to #BuyBlack this December.

Facebook is also bringing exclusive gifts to its Shops tabs that will be available when people check out on Facebook or Instagram. Consumers may also find gifts from Facebook and Instagram, such as 20 per cent off their first purchase and free shipping, when they complete an eligible purchase directly on the company’s apps.

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