GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal OfferingsRetailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
TechnologyNov 10, 2016
Instagram Begins Testing ‘Shoppable’ Posts
The new feature is designed to help users consider, explore and buy the products they see in their feed.
Rather than adding a “buy now” button directly to regular posts, Instagram has added a feature that allows its users to discover and learn more about products to help them in their purchasing decisions, the social network said.
New York--Instagram wants to bring shopping directly to its users, and the company thinks it’s found a way to do that.
It recently announced the launch of a new feature, which is in a testing phase, to help its users discover and learn more about products on a shoppable post from brands.
Brands will be able to tag individual Instagram posts as shoppable. When they do, there will be a “Tap to view” icon at the bottom left of the photo. When tapped, a tag will appear on the product or products included in the post, displaying up to five products and their prices.
Once a tag has been selected, a new detailed view of the product will open containing more information and without the user having to leave the social network.
Then, if the consumer taps the “Shop now” link from this product details view, they will be taken directly to that product on the company or brand’s website to purchase.
Instagram has started with 20 U.S.-based retail brands, including Kate Spade, JackThreads, Warby Parker and costume jewelry site BaubleBar.
An Instagram spokesperson confirmed that the company is not charging these initial test partners for the new capabilities. When asked if they will in the future after a larger rollout, the spokesperson said only that the company plans on exploring sponsored formats.
During the test phase, the new features will be available to users on iOs devices in the United States.
The particulars of Instagram’s new shopping feature comes in response to a survey it did in which it learned that many web purchasers take more than a day to decide if they want to buy something and do research.
An eMarketer survey done this summer found that 84 percent of smartphone users in the U.S. browse, research or compare products via mobile web or app, but according to Instagram’s own survey, only about 21 percent of online purchases are done within a day of finding a product.
Instagram said as it rolls out further and learns from the beta phase, it will explore things like product recommendations, product displays on posts, global expansion and being able to save content so users can go back to it later.
More information on the timeline for the expansion was not available at press time.
Last year, the company opened up its advertising API to all marketers, but while that
opportunity allowed companies to promote products in their ads along with a “buy” button, the new shoppable featured will apply to regular posts.
As Ryan McIntyre of JackThreads was quoted as saying on an Instagram blog post announcing the news, the update will “change the scope of what we, as retailers, are capable of offering on mobile. Instead of having to transition over to the JackThreads app, our customers will be able to shop seamlessly from their social media feeds--allowing us to reach guys where they’re already hunting for what’s new.”
As Ryan McIntyre of JackThreads was quoted as saying on an Instagram blog post announcing the news, the update will “change the scope of what we, as retailers, are capable of offering on mobile. Instead of having to transition over to the JackThreads app, our customers will be able to shop seamlessly from their social media feeds--allowing us to reach guys where they’re already hunting for what’s new.”
More on Technology
The Latest
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New CampaignThe ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | HindmanThe late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest WinnersThree fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
