ShopShops

ShopShops operates as a global, interactive livestream shopping platform, aiming to replicate the in-person retail experience for an online audience. Founded in 2016 by Liyia Wu and Xiao Qian Hang, the New York-based company has positioned itself at the intersection of e-commerce, the creator economy, and live video. Liyia Wu, the company's CEO, drew upon her extensive background in fashion and business to launch the venture. After graduating with a double major in finance and accounting, she studied fashion merchandising at Parsons and subsequently founded a boutique in Beijing that imported U.S. designer brands, followed by her own contemporary fashion label. This journey provided her with firsthand knowledge of both U.S. and Chinese retail markets, leading to the creation of ShopShops. The platform initially began as a discovery tool for Chinese travelers to find U.S. retailers but pivoted to a livestream commerce model after Wu participated in the XRC Labs accelerator program in 2016.

The company's business model centers on connecting retailers and brands with a global customer base through its mobile application. ShopShops makes money by taking a commission on the products sold through its platform. The service is designed for a wide range of clients, from major brands and retailers to local boutiques and independent businesses. Notable partners have included Bloomingdale's, Jimmy Choo, Coach, Marni, and Everlane. The platform's target audience consists of fashion-savvy consumers looking for unique products and deals across categories like fashion, beauty, food, and home. Initially focused on connecting U.S. retailers with shoppers in China, the company launched a beta version of its app for the U.S. market in December 2020.

The core of the ShopShops service is its interactive, shoppable video streams hosted by a network of sellers and content creators. These hosts broadcast live from brick-and-mortar stores, pop-ups, and even the company's own studio, showcasing curated products. A key feature is the real-time, two-way dialogue between hosts and shoppers, who can ask questions about product fit, material, and styling, fostering a sense of community and connection. The platform handles secure in-app payments and, in some cases, facilitates the final leg of delivery. To drive user acquisition and engagement, ShopShops has offered new shopper coupons and weekly giveaways. The company has successfully raised significant capital to fuel its expansion, securing a total of $64.2 million over four funding rounds, including a $29.1 million Series B round in June 2022.

Keywords: livestream shopping, live commerce, social shopping, video commerce, e-commerce platform, cross-border commerce, fashion tech, retail technology, creator economy, mobile shopping app, direct-to-consumer, online marketplace, interactive retail, luxury fashion, designer resale, global shopping, virtual shopping experience, shoppable video, brand partnerships, in-app checkout