Foreword

Shopping has always been an inherently social endeavor—whether it’s serendipitously finding a great deal at a local boutique or going on a mission with a close friend to find the perfect accessory for a big event. Human interactions and shared experiences are a vital part of the appeal of shopping. And it’s no surprise that today these same experiences have moved online, thanks in part to the rise of social media.

The explosion of consumer interest and participation in social networks has naturally and quickly moved into social commerce. Transacting within social networks is predicted to rise from $5 billion in 2011 to $30 billion by 2015. What’s more, analysts predict that by 2015, companies will generate 50 percent of Web sales via ...

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