Written by: Katie Scott
Facebook and Instagram are promising access to exclusive deals and the latest gifts from live shopping experiences that will kick off next month.
Brands including Benefit Cosmetics, Cocokind, Macy’s, Paintbox Nails, Tanya Taylor, Ulta Beauty, Vuori and Walmart have all signed up to host live videos. Shoppers will also be able to access advice from fellow bargain hunters as well as connect with “celebrities, creators and brand experts”, announced Facebook.
On Instagram, shoppers can snag the product they want using the Drops destination, where they can sign up to receive a notification when an item is available for purchase. The Instagram Shops tab will bring shoppers curated information from the creators they follow and the Instagram @shop team. Shoppers who buy direct using either Social Media app may find deals including 20% off their purchase or free shipping. Further exclusive deals are being touted for shoppers who refer up to 10 friends.
Both platforms will also see the return of Buy Black Friday to encourage people to support Black-owned small businesses. Starting on November 5th, a new show will be broadcast including segments from Black-owned businesses including Shaquanda’s Hot Pepper Sauce, House of Takura and Obia Naturals. “We know the holiday season is critical for small businesses, our latest Global State of Small Business Report shows that a quarter of minority-led businesses expect to make half of their annual sales over the holiday period, compared to 14% of other small businesses”, said Facebook in a statement.
The Buy Black Friday is part of Boost with Facebook: Good Ideas Season, an annual program now in its second year that gives small businesses access to free resources and training “for a successful holiday season”. This year, it will include the opening of Good Ideas Shops in local communities across the US starting with launches in Seattle, Fort Worth and New York City. Facebook added: “We’ll also dedicate a storefront window in Los Angeles for people to Buy Black this December.”
