Facebook Taps Seven Major Retailers To Test Buy Service

Facebook is testing a new service that will eventually allow users to collect and purchase items from major retailers, according to an article on CNBC.com. In an attempt to delve into the eCommerce market, the social media site has tapped seven major retailers — William Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Neiman Marcus, Limited Brand, Victoria’s Secret, Fab.com, Michael Kors, Smith Optics and Wayfair — to test its Collections service.

Collections works like Pinterest in that it allows Facebook users to gather and share products on their Timelines. The test includes the options “like,” “want” and “collect,” but Facebook will likely opt for the action that is most popular. Unlike Pinterest, however, Collections will allow users to actually purchase these products through the retailer’s website. The service is free thus far, but CNBC correspondent Julia Boorstin predicts Facebook will eventually take a cut of the proceeds from items purchased through the Collections service.

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This news comes on the heels of reports that Facebook is also testing a Gifts service that allows users to buy and send real items to their Facebook friends. In the past, the Gifts idea was used to send virtual items to friends for birthdays and other celebratory events.

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