Robert Jain Credit Suisse & Allowing Social Media To Get Into Retail

By Paula Hess


Think about it: would you ever consider Facebook and retail to go hand-in-hand? To many, it doesn't seem like the likeliest of prospects, seeing as how social media is rooted in the digital front while something like retail is more traditional by comparison. However, it seems like these two concepts are about to meet, if recent reports are to be believed. It's an interesting concept and it is one that I am sure will have the attention of various entities, Robert Jain Credit Suisse included.

Wired posted an article in regards to Facebook and how users may be able to purchase certain goods, based on ads. For those who don't know, you could buy items without ever having to leave Facebook's site, which is tremendous for convenience purposes. After all, no one wants to click around various websites in order to purchase anything on the Internet. For those who may not be as Internet-savvy as others, I cannot imagine an idea like coming across as unattractive.

Keep in mind that Facebook is not the first company to do this and it's unlikely that it will be the last. Do you know how many entities have gone on to become retailers in their own respects? For example, the article referenced Apple and how it went on to unveil iTunes. Facebook can accomplish similar feats, especially when considering that the website's level of engagement is undeniable. Of course, one must ask the question: which services can benefit from this endeavor?

In order for this to be truly successful - and names along the lines of Jain may agree - Facebook cannot copy off of other websites. Yes, there might be similar tools and utilities but if Facebook outright rips off what another company has done, this project is all but dead on arrival. Consumers are not foolish and they will understand when a business is not being unique and true to itself. Facebook has the potential to stand out and Robert Jain Credit Suisse can say the same.

As Facebook starts to get more involved in the retail side of things, several eyes will be focused on the company's progress. It's understandable why the company would like to take cues from the likes of Google and Apple but success can vary. I'm not too sure if this should be a concern, though, since everyone knows Facebook. Its level of engagement does not require much clarification. This is a unique endeavor for Facebook but one has to wonder how profitable it will prove to be.




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