Shopify’s new app connects shoppers with local businesses

28 Apr 2020

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Shopify has launched a new app that enables users to find products from local businesses online.

Shopify has launched a new app, called Shop, which aims to help users find local businesses with an online presence such as bookshops, craft stores, clothing stores and cosmetics businesses.

The new app is an updated rebrand of Arrive, an older platform that the company built for tracking packages for merchants using its platform. Shop includes these package tracking capabilities, but also offers users a feed of recommended products and sellers, as well as the opportunity to learn more about brands and sellers on the platform.

Shopify said that it has designed Shop to “reimagine the online shopping experience for customers”, providing them with “greater convenience, transparency and personalisation.”

“Expectations are changing and we anticipate these needs will grow as a result of social distancing and stay-at-home policies,” the company added.

Founded in 2004 by Tobias Lütke, Daniel Weinand and Scott Lake, Shopify provides an online marketplace for more than 1m businesses.

Tough times for small businesses

Retail businesses have faced challenges following the introduction of Covid-19 restriction measures, with many companies having to shutter shops and adapt to e-commerce trading.

While online retail giant Amazon has struggled to meet demand, smaller businesses have had to adjust. In Ireland, eBay set up a programme to support small businesses with virtual workshops, training and mentoring to help launch online stores.

To help small businesses at this time, Shopify has included a local shopping feature in Shop to help customers easily find and buy from their favourite local businesses, while exposing them to new products and businesses in their communities.

In addition, Shop will also guide shoppers through the retail experience from product discovery to checkout and package tracking in one app, saving shoppers the hassle of searching emails and text messages for tracking IDs.

Carl Rivera, general manager of Shop, said: “We’re proud to present online shoppers with a seamless, intuitive way to shop, while helping them support local businesses. Shop guarantees peace of mind by giving customers all the information they need, when they need it.”

The app is now available on both Android and iOS.

Kelly Earley was a journalist with Silicon Republic

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