Google Shopping API closes next week: do you have an alternative?
As part of its big “spring cleaning” effort, Google will shut down its Shopping API on Sept. 16. Here are a few options for e-commerce developers and others looking for alternatives.
Showrooming doesn’t mean the end of brick-and-mortar retail
A new study aims to bust a few assumptions surrounding the threat of “showrooming” and the challenges faced by traditional retailers in responding to mobile shoppers.
Mobile shopping startup Snapette gets snapped up by PriceGrabber
Snapette, a 500 Startups-backed mobile shopping app, has been acquired by price comparison site PriceGrabber.
Podcast: Why mobile is vital to the future of retail
This edition of the GigaOM Research podcast discusses mobility’s impact on the shopping experience, for both the retailer and the consumer.
Shopular app pushes real-time deals while you’re at the mall
Shopular, a location-aware mobile app, is officially launching Friday to serve up relevant in-store deals while consumers are shopping. To start, the app will only alert shoppers once it senses that they’re at a shopping mall, but the company plans to expand to more locations.
Etsy updates iPhone app, reports 1 in 4 visits comes from mobile
Etsy, the marketplace for handmade goods, is rolling out a new mobile app in time for the holiday season. One in four visits to the site comes from a mobile app and mobile visits are twice as likely to convert to purchases, Etsy said.
Fab redesigns iPad app, optimizes for iPhone 5
Fab says it has “reimagined” its mobile apps, updating its app for the iPad and optimizing it for the iPhone 5. One-third of Fab’s sales come from mobile but it’s looking to when mobile shopping contributes half of its revenue.
Social commerce app Wikets updates to streamline on-the-go shopping
Social commerce startup Wikets, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Battery Ventures, is rolling out a new version of its app that builds out its shopping functionality. To date, it has focused on building a network of shoppers who ask for and make recommendations.
NetPlenish app lets retailers compete to supply your household goods
Shopping app NetPlenish is launching today with the promise of giving users a better deal on the bundle of products they regularly buy. Instead of getting a good price on one product, users can see which retailer has the lowest price on their entire shopping cart.
How smartphones and tablets are fueling commerce
Smartphones and tablets are driving both in-store and online commerce, but their roles are distinct in many ways. Nielsen shed some light on how consumers are using both devices to aid their shopping. Overall, 79 percent of respondents have shopped using their smartphone or tablet.