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DecisionStep, a privately held software solution
firm in the US, has created its solutions with a software as a service (SaaS) model
to deliver applications from their ShopTogether® server. With no
client interface to download, this model features secure interactions and advanced
analytics that deliver market research
data on user behavior and product preference.
An initial implementation has been with US
retailer Charlotte Russe. Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. is a mall‐based specialty retailer of fashionable, value‐priced apparel and accessories targeting young women in their teens
and twenties. For the first time, groups of friends can pick out personal
favorites together in real‐time. From the
ShopTogether toolbar, shoppers can send friends a link to a specific product or
an invitation to shop through Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, email or IM. Once
they accept the invitation, ShopTogether connects them for a joint shopping
session on www.charlotterusse.com. Shoppers can chat, view products, collect
mutual favorites and share ideas that lead to faster, better
buying decisions.
From a brand perspective, with the ShopTogether application, Charlotte
Russe has taken their existing social shopping feature and improved it, making
it easier for her to connect with her friends while connecting with their brand.
Future directions: This retail solution allows real‐time, social interaction to consumers so they can be part of each
other’s web experience and decision — increasing order value for retailers and
giving a shopper the confidence they need to buy. The trust element of e-commerce has been a
factor in pull through for a long time.
Shopping has always been a social past time. This solution allows a more bricks and mortar
type experience online.
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