Dive Brief:
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Social shopping platform Verishop released "Shop Party," a new iOS app feature that allows users to browse and shop together while video chatting, according to a Dec. 15 press release.
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A total of five users can join the party and shop at the same time. Users can also share their screens and see what's in their friends' carts without sharing personal information like sizes and prices at checkout.
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The company is also offering fast checkouts, free shipping, free returns, 24-hour customer service and price guarantees.
Dive Insight:
Verishop is jumping on the virtual group hangout bandwagon.
For those practicing social distancing, browser extensions and video conferencing platforms such as Teleparty, Discord and Zoom have become gateways for friends to bring what used to be in-person activities online.
In addition to seeing what items friends are looking to buy while video chatting or texting, users of Verishop's group shopping feature can also favorite products in their friends' cart for additional feedback. Brand partners, industry experts and stylists can also host a Shop Party for solo or group shopping and educational sessions.
The e-commerce startup isn't the only player in the group online shopping space. Squadded Shopping Party, a Chrome extension co-founded by former L'Oréal brand manager Elysa Kahn, allows users to invite and ask input from their friends on items from retailers like Asos, Zara and Sephora.
Since its founding in 2019, Verishop has launched several features and initiatives to expand on its platform, including a partnership with mall operator Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield to bring its digital brands to physical spaces. In September, Verishop debuted the Verified Shops program, which allows third-party brands to sell directly to customers on the platform after they go through a vetting process.
Most recently, Verishop began allowing both brands and users to upload photos and videos on the platform and tag items in their content— a feature positioned to compete with Instagram and Pinterest.
