Facebook recently launched "Shops", a new feature, that will bring more small businesses online, according to a recently published article. 

The surge of Online Businesses Amid Global Pandemic

The global pandemic has changed how businesses work around the globe. From the traditional in-person transaction, it now becomes online. Transactions from buying items and that include food to paying bills and others can now be done online.

This is one of the great ways to avoid contagion or contact for those who tested positive for the virus. This also helps those who have mild symptoms but decided to stay-at-home instead, to buy their basic needs online. This is the time where online businesses play a very important role in society.

In a recently published article, e-commerce sales have surged to 49 percent for the month of April. The topmost demands during the pandemic are online services such as grocery, pick-up services, and comfy quarantine loungewear. 

Facebook Launched "Shops" Feature to Bring More Businesses Online 

Due to the surge of online businesses in different social media, Facebook launched its new feature that will bring small businesses and other businesses online to continue their services. This feature is called "Shops."

This is a way for businesses to set up free storefronts not only on Facebook but also on Instagram as well. This feature will be powered by third-party services such as Shopify, BigCommerce, and Woo and will eventually turn the social media platform as a top tier in shopping online according to the press realease. 

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said: "If you can't physically open your store or restaurant, you can still take orders online and ship them to people. We're seeing a lot of small businesses that never had online businesses get online for the first time." He also added that e-commerce is very important as countries begin to rebuild its economy in the wake of the pandemic.

Where to find the "Shops" Feature?

This new feature can be found on businesses' Facebook pages and they can also appear in different stories or be promoted in ads. Users can either save items or place an order. Additionally, items that are made available by the businesses for purchase will appear within the shop.

The most interesting part of this feature is that it can handle customer support issues through messenger. Facebook also plans to let users browse store catalogs and make purchases and transactions directly from the chat window. 

In a blog post, the company said: "You'll be able to easily see and keep track of your points and rewards. And we're exploring ways to help small businesses create, manage, and surface a loyalty program on Facebook Shops."

When Will the New Feature Can Be Utilized?

As of today, the 'Shops' feature on Facebook was launched two days ago in the United States and has been used already by many small businesses. The feature will come out soon this summer on Instagram and later this year, there will be an additional shopping tab to its shopping navigation bar.

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