News

Although retailers continue to test social media platforms, Facebook has been reported to be one of the top platforms for reaching new clientele. Twenty-five percent of retailers involved in the State of Retailing Online 2015, conducted by Bizrate Insights, Forrester Research Inc. and Shop.org, cited Facebook as one of their top tools for acquiring and engaging with new customers.

While more than 50 percent of retailers are increasing spending on social media marketing, more than 60 percent are spending extra toward search engine marketing.

The survey reported the following year-over-year spending for 2015 across social media platforms:

• 50 percent spending more on Facebook promotions
• 29 percent spending more on paid options for YouTube
• 27 percent spending more on Pinterest
• 22 percent spending more on Twitter
• 20 percent spending more on Instagram
• 6 percent spending more on Snapchat

Online retail marketplaces, which allow retailers to sell their merchandise through another retailer’s site, have been ranked fifth in the same study as an effective means for customer acquisition. Approximately 30 percent will spend more on marketing via online retail marketplaces.

For more information, visit the National Retail Federation website.