Social commerce in the U.K. is going to grow big time in just two years.
By 2014, sales totals from social shopping are expected to increase 44 percent, reaching 3.3 billion pounds, according to a recent survey by retail research agency Conlumino. The survey, commissioned by eBay, finds that social commerce is already popular. About 46 percent of shoppers already use Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other social sites when deciding what to buy.
The study notes that about 50 percent of shoppers also interact with retailers directly on social sites.
“Many shoppers, particularly women, want fun and inspiration as much as information when they shop, and social networks are a great way to seek out a friend’s advice, see other people’s style and get ideas,” Petra Jung, eBay’s head of Mobile, tells reporters.
This presents a big opportunity for retailers who want to take advantage of social commerce, she continues.
“There’s a billion-pound prize for U.K. retailers in using social to help customers make up their minds when they’re looking to buy,” Jung says.