Republic unveils Facebook store
By Gemma Taylor 04:42PM - Wed 12th October 2011
Fashion retailer Republic has enhanced its social media strategy today with the launch of a new Facebook store on its existing fan page on the networking website.
Initially, the Facebook store will be non-transactional as visitors will be able to browse the site and select items of interest.
Customers will then be redirected to the retailer’s website to complete the transaction, though it is hoped that the page will eventually be developed as an independent purchasing source.
Last month, the company unveiled an interactive virtual mirror in its Westfield Stratford City store, allowing customers to capture images of different outfits and share the photos online via social media.
This latest development in its Facebook strategy is being implemented by mobile commerce provider One Iota, which launched Facebook Deals in conjunction with the retailer, a promotion that enables users of the social network access to special promotions and exclusive offers when they ‘check-in’ on their mobile phones whilst in participating stores.
A growing number of consumers are using social networks to research products prior to purchase, as a recent survey by information services company Experian revealed that 15 per cent of the population use social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook to find promotions, deals and to garner friends’ opinions on products.
Natalie Primus, Head of Social Media at Republic, pointed out that the retailer has had a strong response to its growing online presence.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in product-based engagement via Facebook,” she commented.
“By simply utilising our existing Channel Advisor product feeds, we’ve been able to leverage One Iota’s store solution and promotional wall management tools, to post product offers and information to our ‘fans’.
“The new store is the perfect way to reach young, fashionable, internet-savvy consumers who enjoy spending time on Facebook and sharing content with friends.”