10 Hot Web Startups Changing the Face of Retail

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Social Bandit

Macala Wright is the publisher of FashionablyMarketing.Me, one of the leading fashion and retail industry business websites. She is a retail consultant and business strategist who specializes in marketing consulting for fashion, luxury and lifestyle brands. You can follower her on Twitter at @InsideFMM or @Macala.

In 2010, branded content was one the largest trends among retailers and brands. In 2011, branded content shifted to branded entertainment. Now, in 2012, we’ll look toward content cultivation and aggregation.

By creatively using Pinterest and Tumblr, brands are becoming enthralled with consumer curation, primarily because these types of curated sites create non-linear paths to purchases.

First, retailers post visually appealing images and ideas that are accessible to the online user/consumer. Then, consumers post those images to curated sites. From there, retailers can build brand awareness by directly linking to product pages and encouraging purchase conversions.

“We’re demonstrating the power of peer-to-peer shopping search,” says Buyosphere’s Tara Hunt. “Algorithms are a long way off from picking up nuances that a person can. And personal taste is full of nuance.”

The future of ecommerce, search and social marketing is now tied to personality-influenced consumer curation. Here are 10 product discovery and sharing sites worth paying attention to.

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Launched in December 2011, Mulu is a social platform for sharing the things you love and making the world a better place at the same time. Mulu allows users to make product recommendations, ask for suggestions and earn money for themselves or a social cause they want to support.

Mulu CEO and founder Amaryllis Fox says, “Zooey Deschanel and HelloGiggles are using their Mulu to support 826 LA, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.”

Stipple leverages cloud services to power interactive commerce and content inside of web images. When people mouse-over a “Stippled” image, pins display useful information about the people, places, products and prices shown. The company’s patent pending technology syncs these commerce and content tags to images within its network.

“Brands lose tens of millions of dollars in revenue each month simply by not tagging their products in web photos,” says Rey Flemings, founder and CEO of Stipple. “Editorial images generate billions of pageviews, and if your product is in a photo, but people can’t find out what the product is, then your brand loses marketing value and revenue.”

Founded by digital pioneer and author, Tara Hunt, Buyosphere is the Quora for fashion, interiors and retail.

Want to find “the best iPad cases for under $100 bucks?” Instead of searching through thousands of irrelevant images, Buyosphere allows you to ask the question to its community, and then your peers make recommendations (with direct product links). Even better, Buyosphere was built with brands in mind — the companies are encouraged to actively participate on the platform.

Launched in December 2011, Stylmee is the first iPad app that allows users in the fashion and interior design communities to create virtual 3D boutiques. Users are able to “design” their boutiques with custom flooring, fixtures, furnishing, accessories and apparel from their favorite retailers and brands. For every action, users earn points for their activities and can cash them in for retailer rewards.

The app combines online shopping and product sharing (via Twitter and Facebook integration) with social game mechanics in order to increase brand engagement. For brands and retailers, the application offers the ability to directly showcase the latest collections and obtain feedback and exposure through game mechanics. Products are viewed and judged worthy of placement within members’ personal boutiques.

Considered Pinterest’s primary competitor, Svpply allows site members to keep track of the things they want to buy, and to browse a personal feed of products from across the web, curated and filtered by the people and stores they find interesting. Users with blogs can embed their Svpply activity via widgets and retailers can integrate an “add to Svpply” button on their ecommerce sites.

Lyst is a social shopping and product bookmarking site specifically targeted to fashion. The site allows users to follow their favorite designers, boutiques, bloggers and stylists for updates in their personally made style feeds. “Lysting items is a form of self-expression,” says Chris Morton, CEO of Lyst in an interview with Business Of Fashion. “The act of publishing their lysts also enables users to build their reputation within the online fashion world.”

A hybrid of Lyst and Svpply, Nuji allows users to save items they like from any online store using the platform’s web bookmarklet tool. Users can clip apparel from retail websites they like and purchase the items later. Plus, they can follow interesting users and earn rewards and discounts from retailers by tagging their favorite items.

For aspiring interior designers and overall design enthusiasts, Olioboard is an easy way to communicate complex artistic concepts visually. Use it as a brainstorming tool or simply to visually organizing thoughts.

Users are able to share, embed and email their creations to their blogs, as well as shop retailer products within the site. Olioboard plans to launch iPad and mobile apps mid-2012.

Olioboard was created by web design company Keele UX Inc. “Our main goal for Olioboard is to provide a design and decor-focused creative tool that essentially allows members to get inspired and ‘try it, before they buy it,’” says founder Sheilah MacSporran.

GetVega is list-creating service based entirely on visual content. GetVega users access the platform for product comparisons and reviews, create lists of products, and write reviews. Users can also use it as a social (or private) bookmarking site. Currently, the site is generating an impressive amount of content, from visual cookbooks to theme bars in Paris to the best guitarists. Users even create the proverbial “bucket list.”

Once a public list is created, other users can contribute (see: the quest for the best chocolate) and rate the quality of a list and its contents. With a much broader audience than just fashion, GetVega offers retailers the chance to create context between their brands and their customers’ lifestyles.

Styloko is the new kid on the block when it comes to product sharing and discovery. The site is hybrid of Pinterest, The Cools and what Google Boutiques wanted to be. Styloko is worth paying attention to because it caters to fashion, art and industry insiders – those with advanced knowledge of not so mainstream products.

The site allows users to add items they find to boards, upload images via the site’s mobile app, and set up specific sale alerts for the brands they follow.

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Founded by digital pioneer and author, Tara Hunt, Buyosphere is the Quora for fashion, interiors and retail.

Users are able to share, embed and email their creations to their blogs, as well as shop retailer products within the site. Olioboard plans to launch iPad and mobile apps mid-2012.

The site allows users to add items they find to boards, upload images via the site’s mobile app, and set up specific sale alerts for the brands they follow.

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, tetsuomorita

Article source: http://feeds.mashable.com/~r/Mashable/SocialMedia/~3/JaL5h9Pp5dM/

Is This The Future of Touchscreen Tech? New Video Will Blow Your Mind

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Social Bandit

Gorilla Glass manufacturer Corning has unveiled a follow-up YouTube video to its wildly successful “A Day Made of Glass,” providing another look into what the future could be like with the growth of glass touchscreen interfaces, from innovative chalkboards and activity tables in classrooms to uses for it in hospitals.

Corning released two versions of “A Day Made of Glass 2? — one with a narrator and another, abbreviated version without commentary — the video follows the life of young Amy and her family as they go through their day using various products made of glass. Amy does classwork on a glass tablet, controls the temperature of the car from the backseat and even attends a field trip at the Redwood Forrest with an interactive signage that brings learning to life. Her teacher also works with students on interactive touchscreen activity tables. Corning expects these activity tables to be rolled out in the near future.

Last year’s video, which followed the same family, brought in over 17 million hits on YouTube and left many in awe of Corning’s interpretation of what’s possible with photovoltaic glass, LCD TV glass, architectural display and surface glass, among others.

However, many left comments on YouTube asking which technology is actually possible with today’s resources and pricing. This time around, though, new technologies and applications are highlighted, such as glass tablets, multitouch-enabled desks, solar panels, augmented reality, electronic medical records and anti-microbial medical equipment.

Corning may be making headlines these days for its Gorilla Glass product — a super-strong, lightweight glass which can withstand drops and mistreatment — but it’s hardly a new company and no stranger to innovation. In fact, the 160-year-old business even worked with Thomas Edison to create inexpensive glass for his lightbulbs.

However, Corning noted at the press screening that there are several challenges the company is facing this year, largely due to lower LCD glass prices, higher corporate tax rates and declining equity earnings, which have combined to lower Corning’s profitability.

Although LCD glass sales are likely to be flat through 2014, the company said it will remain profitable and continue to generate large amounts of cash. Last week, Corning announced that it raked in record 2011 sales of $7.9 billion and plans to grow profits to $10 billion by 2014.

The company also recently announced that it is joining forces with Samsung Mobile to manufacture Lotus Glass for Galaxy-branded smartphones and Super OLED TVs. Corning’s ultra-slim, eco-friendly Lotus Glass is known for strong performance and withstanding higher-processing temperatures.

Although Corning’s first “A Day Made of Glass” video was unveiled a week ago this year, Corning’s vice chairman and CFO James Flaws told Mashable that he couldn’t comment on whether or not the clips will become an annual tradition.

“You can expect more from us though,” Flaws said.

Article source: http://feeds.mashable.com/~r/Mashable/SocialMedia/~3/8ZSFuE4WfNE/

Roseanne Barr Tweets She’s Running for President [VIDEO]

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Social Bandit

Roseanne Barr — known for her decade-long stint on the eponymous ’90s hit sitcom — recently announced on Twitter that she is running for president.

She will run on a Green Party ticket against the GOP front-runner and President Barack Obama for the White House, if nominated party candidate in July.

Barr has been tweeting fans and individuals on Twitter who have responded to the news with questions.

Her Thursday announcement said: “I am running for Green Party nominee for POTUS. I am an official candidate. I am4 the Greening of Americathe world. Green=peace/justice.”

The actress whose background is mostly in entertainment and standup comedy wants to better the economy, health care and the environment as U.S. president.

“I will use the powers of the presidency to make sure that every american has a job and free health care,” she tweeted.

She often addresses young people in her social media messages, mostly promising to deliver jobs and pinning U.S. troubles on bankers.

so sad to see young strong/educated adults with no jobs in america. this was all planned by bankers.

— Roseanne Barr (@TheRealRoseanne) February 3, 2012

The Green Party will select their nominee in July in Baltimore, Md. Other Green Party nominees include Kent Mesplay, Harley Mikkelson and Jill Stein, currently leading the Green Party in polls.

The Green Party is about 30 years old. Barr describes it as “the synthesis between right and left” and pro-small business, safety on the Internet, women’s rights and gay rights.

A scan of the tweets with the hashtag #Roseanne2012 displays tweets from people that are skeptical about her nomination and tweets of support.

Tell us in the comments what you think of Roseanne Barr’s bid for the presidential seat and her social media campaign to reach potential voters.

Thumbnail Image courtesy of Monterey Media

Article source: http://feeds.mashable.com/~r/Mashable/SocialMedia/~3/OqIuTnMgJeQ/

Egyptians Spread News and Rumor About Soccer Riots on Social Media [VIDEO]

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Social Bandit

At least 74 people were killed during brutal fighting Wednesday between fans of rival soccer clubs in Port Said, Egypt, according to state media. Video of the riot, seen above, was almost immediately posted to YouTube and spread around the country and the world. Simultaneously, news about the violence hit Twitter:

How crazy is this scene! Port Said fans running after Ahly team. Massive fight on the field.

— Aya el Batrawy (@ayaelb) February 1, 2012

Some Egyptians believe that the riots were a premeditated attack tied to Egyptian politics. The country is politically volatile, after overthrowing longtime president Hosni Mubarak last year. Rumors about alleged political motivation for the soccer riots spread on social media:

No body on the street believes this was an organic fight, they all think this was planned

— Shahira Abouellail (@fazerofzanight) February 1, 2012

Twitter users helped break the news that some of the injured were being brought back to Cairo:

At train station in Cairo thousands were waiting for #ultras and their injured twitter.com/AlMasryAlYoum_…#Egypt #PortSaid v @mowakil

— Dima Khatib ??? ???? (@Dima_Khatib) February 2, 2012

The riots broke out during a soccer match in the Egyptian city of Port Said between teams El Masry and Al Ahly. At least 156 people were injured, and more deaths are feared a possibility.

Violence erupted when fans of El Masry — Port Said’s home team — ran onto the field after a 3-1 upset against premier Egyptian team Al Ahly. El Masry fans hurled stones and chased players and fans of the rival team, who bolted for the exits. According to a health ministry official, most of the deaths were caused by concussions, head wounds and suffocation due to the stampede.

The event is the most deadly soccer violence in the world since 1996, when 78 people died and about 180 others were injured during a stampede at a Guatemala City stadium.

One player told the Associated Press that the Port Said riots were like a “war.”

“This is a war and people are dying in front of us. There is no movement and no security and no ambulances,” the player told his team’s TV channel.

Another player, Al Alhy’s goalkeeper, told Egyptian ONtv that there’s “no way” any of his teammates would play again after seeing so many people lose their lives on Wednesday.

According to Al Jazeera, at least 52 people have been arrested by Egpytian authorities in connection to the violence as of Thursday morning.

Later on Wednesday, in a separate incident, a Cairo match between Al-Ismaili and Zamalek was canceled because of the violence in Port Said. Upset fans lit part of the stadium on fire in protest, but the blaze was brief and caused no injuries. Video of that event was also shared on YouTube:

On Thursday, crowds gathered in Tahrir Square (home of the anti-Mubarak revolution one year ago) to show their anger about the riots and the police’s handling of the clash. Some Egyptians and media outlets have set up livesteams, allowing the world to watch events unfold over the Internet. Livestreams were heavily used during the height of last year’s protests in Egypt and have since become part of protests worldwide.

The Egyptian cabinet and parliament are holding emergency meetings, while the governor of Port Said has already stepped down. Top members of the Egyptian Parliament are accusing the government, run by the military, of allowing violence to escalate as an excuse to extend martial law.

“This tragedy is a result of intentional reluctance by the military and the police,” said a politician from the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice party.

“This is a black day for football,” said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter in a statement responding to the event. “Such a catastrophic situation is unimaginable and should not happen. I am very shocked and saddened to learn this evening that a large number of football supporters have died or been injured following a match in Port Said, Egypt.”

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, mtrommer

Article source: http://feeds.mashable.com/~r/Mashable/SocialMedia/~3/2cywqSFOpZY/

10 Standout Quotes in Zuckerberg’s Facebook IPO Letter

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Social Bandit

Facebook, if nothing else, is on a social mission, wrote Mark Zuckerberg in a personal letter filed within the company’s preliminary prospectus for Initial Public Offering.

Zuckerberg’s four-page message to potential investors provides a glimpse into what the 27-year-old CEO believes are Facebook’s priorities moving forward. The letter details the mission and values of the company.

For many users, Facebook is simply a space to socialize with friends and raise digital farms. But recreational utility is far from the limits Zuckerberg — and many others — see for the social network, which unites more than 800 million users worldwide.

Facebook is a space for exchanging ideas, providing a check on authority and pushing boundaries. To create the website that facilitates such grandiose objectives, Zuckerberg wants investors to know he encourages his employees to constantly take risks, work quickly and focus on potential impact.

Zuckerberg writes that, through the power of sharing content, Facebook has the potential to increase understanding of other by people across the planet.

We parceled through Zuckerberg’s letter and pulled out 10 highlights, which we think best explain the company’s core values. What do you think of Zuckerberg’s direction? Where do you see Facebook going, now that it’s public? Share your reactions in the comments.

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Additional Facebook IPO Coverage

Image courtesy of wwwes; Flickr.

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Groundhog Phil Says ‘WTF’ to Groundhog Day [INTERVIEW]

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Social Bandit

In a hard-hitting interview (sarcasm), I dug up some exclusive responses from Groundhog Day‘s world famous critter, Punxsutawney Phil.

Twitter account @GroundhogPhil, which has 4,400 followers, reveals how he really feels about the Feb. 2 holiday and even trash talks fellow Twitter animals, including Bronx Zoo Cobra and NYT Sexy Chicken.

Don’t believe me? Shame on you. Just read the transcript of our interview below. It’s gold.

QA With @GroundhogPhil

Mashable: How do you actually feel when you see your shadow?

Groundhog Phil: “Do you know what it’s like to be woken up from hibernation with fireworks, dancing junior high girls, and middle-aged men dressed in top hats lip syncing to The B-52?s “Love Shack” on a live web stream broadcast? That actually happened this morning. WTF. It’s all downhill from there. Because: SHADOWS. ARE. TERRIFYING.”

Mashable: How are your relationships with other animals on Twitter?

Groundhog Phil: “Escaped zoo cobras cannot predict weather. Sexy NYC chickens cannot predict weather. Squirrels, cats and raccoons cannot predict weather. Why waste my time slumming with those losers? Groundhogs are clearly an evolved species.”

Mashable: What secrets lie beneath the ground?

Groundhog Phil: “There are these secrets about hibernation we try not to talk about. Like where all the turds go. Let’s just say you shouldn’t do any deep digging around your yard until early spring..”

Mashable: What do you hope to accomplish with your new Twitter account?

Groundhog Phil: “I’ve learned humans are extremely emotional about this prognostication thing. A quick Twitter search for “groundhog + kill OR murder” turns up an alarming number of unbalanced individuals who place an extraordinary amount of weight on the predictions of a giant rodent.”

Mashable: Anything you would like to add, stinker?

Groundhog Phil: “I’d just like to thank all the Punxsutawney Phil fans who have shunned science, put their faith and energy into a weather-forecasting groundhog, and most importantly, destroyed any credibility actual meteorologists maintain by making them report my predictions as actual news each year. Who’s the evolved species now, chumps?”

NOTE: Greg Swan, a PR social marketing strategist at Weber Shandwick, manages the 4-year-old @GroundhogPhil account. “I was so surprised how easy it was to brandjack Punxsutawney Phil,” Swan told Mashable. “As a digital strategist for big brands in my day-job, I know how important it is for companies, brands and individuals to proactively stake out their online reputation. The account has been retweeted by Good Morning America, Huffington Post and pretty much every social-savvy meteorologist in the country. Every year I offer up the account to the Groundhog Club folks, but they aren’t interested in taking it over. So until then, long live @groundhogphil!”

Bonus: More Animal Madness

The web really, really likes animals, sometimes even more so than media outlets.

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Is LoMoing the New Tebowing? [PICS]

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Social Bandit

With Tim Tebow‘s NFL playoff run over and with Major League Baseball spring training starting this month, a new meme inspired by Miami Marlins outfielder Logan Morrison has emerged: LoMoing.

People and animals (even a mascot and a few babies) have been mimicking Morrison’s “LoMo” pose, which he debuted Jan. 26 in a video. He then used his @LoMoMarlins Twitter account to turn the gesture into a #LoMoing contest, asking his fans to tweet pictures of themselves LoMoing.

How do you Lomo? Just lie on one side of your body, point your index finger and look into the camera. It’s so simple I even tried it (see the second photo in the gallery above).

Others have done the pose in groups, enlisted their dogs and children to perform the gesture as well as on football fields, basketball courts and even in a Hooters restaurant. Where will you do yours?

The new meme comes on the heels of Tebowing, another sports meme that spread worldwide occurs when you “get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone around you is doing something completely different.”

Morrison is retweeting his favorite submissions and giving winners signed photographs and bat.

One follower describes LoMoing as “vicious sexyness,” but what do you think about the meme? Will it replace Tebowing or fade away quickly after the contest deadline passes? Sound off in the comments.