US – Global publisher Hearst has launched a new commerce platform, FirstFinds, billed as a frictionless solution for shopping on social media. The platform aims to fill a gap for Gen Z shoppers who often discover products on social media but find it difficult to track them down.
The FirstFinds marketplace allows users to vote for and against products, as well as purchase items using affiliated links. Products with the highest scores are placed as top-trending and are prominently displayed on the website, creating a more crowd-directed shopping experience.
In a bid to create a social-led shopping experience, FirstFinds’ mission is to create a community commerce site and not to compete with existing social media platforms.
The biggest challenge they face is gathering the audience to create a community who regularly use the site. For Gen Z, it’s easier to use sites with established communities, despite difficulties tracking items from social media sites. For more on Gen Z retail solutions read our Teen Fashion Market.
Strategic opportunity
The Gen Z generation seek experiences driven by community. Adapting solutions that enhance belonging and community must be a brand’s priority