Google has entered the dynamic arena of online retail with the launch of their new online fashion store – Boutiques.com. The website intends to make the online shopping experience easier and more interactive, and it does not disappoint.
It is the attention to detail that makes the features on Google’s Boutiues.com so unique. Being primarily search engine-focused, it is needless to say Google’s product search function on Boutiques.com is impressive. But it is the other features that really give this website a competitive advantage over traditional e-commerce. Some of the new features include:
- shopping in the styles of your favourite celebrities
- building your own style profile and amassing followers
- blogging from authenticated experts
- high quality images
- larger image sizes
- personal style quizzes to improve the accuracy of search results and recommendations
Google’s new e-commerce initiative is partially fuelled by the growing social media craze and partially by new technology like the iPad. As people become more web savvy, they expect more from their online applications. This is what Google has recognised with Boutiques.com, and this is the way online shopping websites are going to have to develop to continue being competitive.
Google does not plan to sell these products online - it will charge retailers to display their items on the website. This is another form of advertising using social media and interactive content. In the short-term, Boutiques.com is focussing purely on high end international fashion from designers like Armani, DKNY, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. Until this changes, Boutiques.com will have little impact on the Zealand e-commerce market.
Datum Connect will keep its customer informed of the growing developments and if any features offered by Boutiques.com are transferable to our customers.
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