There was a lot of buzz this weekend about Apple’s reported interest in acquiring The Fancy.
Fancy is a Pinterest competitor that has already cracked the code on interest-based social commerce; they launched commerce in February 2012 as detailed in this TechCrunch story.
They’ve created a platform where any merchant (once registering) can come in and claim an image if they have that or a similar product to sell. Travel companies can even claim a travel related image to drive bookings.
A unique aspect for users is that we can earn credits and unlock deals by referring potential customers by sharing images on blogs or social channels. Here’s an example of the “iRetrophone”:
I joined this weekend and have been Fancying things left and right. To me it’s like Design Within Reach, hive modern, Dwell, and MOMA all rolled into one on a modern, intuitive interface. The experience is as modern as the products. Here’s a link to my catalog.
Enter Apple
Apple has over 400mm consumers with credit cards on file currently buying music, movies, apps, etc. You have to think they have plans or aspirations to expand the iTunes beyond, well, tunes. This could be an intriguing, uniquely Apple approach to commerce.
I’ll be watching – and spending money on such things as the Illesteva Murdoch Retro Sunglasses - how this plays out.
Have a great week.
August 5, 2012
Minute Monday