Retailers turn to Facebook

Retailers want to tap into Facebook's 500 million users, reports Dallas News.

Retailers realise that for a growing number of Facebook users, it's no longer just a Web site. It is a new platform, one of the 'big new disruptors' in the online world, according to experts at this week's Shop.org retail technology summit at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine.

Stores are chatting with customers on Facebook about what's new in stores, holding contests and posting weekly ads.

Sunshine Gasoline Distributors is rolling out Gilbarco Encore S dispensers, Passport point-of-sale systems and Veeder-Root TLS-450 tank gauges at 100 retail sites, says CSPNet.

"Equipment like the TLS-450 allows us to be more efficient and grow our business," says Luis Lago, vice-president of operations for Sunshine Gasoline Distributors. "We have been purchasing Gilbarco equipment for 20 years and have experienced outstanding local support from Glasgow Equipment Service."

Sunshine Gasoline supplies more than 360 locations in southern Florida, of which 150 stations are operated directly by Sunshine. Gasoline brands include BP, Shell, Chevron, Texaco and CITGO.

Retailers are flocking to Silverpop in search of easy-to-use marketing technology that can help them improve conversion rates and increase revenue, says PR Newswire.

The company, a provider of e-mail marketing and marketing automation solutions, has helped its e-commerce clients achieve up to a 25-fold increase in e-mail generated revenue by sending targeted and relevant messages to the right people at the right time.

Several leading brands have joined Silverpop's client roster in recent months, including: Crabtree & Evelyn, Harrods, LIDS, Moosejaw, and Teleflora.