When shoppers hit 'like' on Facebook, retailers stock stores with what they want
Candice Choi And Christina Rexrode
This undated screenshot of Macy's online shopping website made available to the Associated Press shows how social media is integrated into their online store. Whether shoppers know it or not, their actions online help dictate what's in stores during this holiday season. (AP Photo/Macy's)
December 18, 2012 - 8:21 AM
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Facebook isn't just for goofy pictures and silly chatter. Shoppers' actions online help dictate what's in stores this holiday season.
After polling fans on the site, Macy's decided to carry jeans in bright neon hues rather than pastels. And Wal-Mart for the first time decided to let customers vote on which toys they want discounted.
The impact of social media on a company's bottom line remains tough to quantify, but stores are uncovering a valuable use for online chatter: market research.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012