The Times reports that social networks give retailers new opportunities to target customers.

Social networking sites are offering retailers a new opportunity to do business online, the Times reports.

Market research firm Forrester recently forecast that online sales will grow by six per cent a year, with 30 million consumers predicted to shop on the internet during 2009.

Such an increase in online retail activity will also result in a rise in the amount of international parcel delivery to fulfil all orders.

Blake Chandlee, commercial director for Facebook, told the newspaper that retailers can gather information about consumers using the social network and "connect with customers like never before".

He added: "When information about a brand comes to you from a friend rather than from a corporation, it gives your brand a completely different level of credibility."

Data from the Coremetrics March 2009 Benchmark Report recently showed that amount of items purchased online during March was 12 per cent higher than the previous month.

Health and beauty retailers and jewellery firms were found to have experienced the biggest increase in orders.


Article Added: 20/04/2009 09:27:34