Google is updating its online shopping tools in preparation for the upcoming summer sales season and Amazon’s Prime Day event. The changes include features that help consumers find the best deals and the lowest prices among retailers. These updates follow recent algorithm changes from Google that affect the shopping content displayed in search results.
According to Sean Scott, Google’s Vice President and General Manager of Google Shopping, the summer has become a major shopping season with a surge in online searches for deals in mid-July. A study conducted by Google and Ipsos found that 44% of shoppers are prompted to buy more on sale days, showing the importance of offers to consumers.
Key findings from the study include the fact that search interest for deals surpasses interest in vacations during mid-July, and that 67% of buyers consider it very important to get the best deal available. Additionally, 68% of shoppers compare prices frequently when shopping online, and 73% value price transparency when making a purchase decision.
In light of increasing competition, Google must continue to evolve to stay ahead, according to David Schweidel, a marketing professor at Emory University. He notes that advances in social media and AI have made search easier for consumers, prompting Google to respond with innovative tools to enhance the shopping experience.
Recent updates from Google include improvements to the Offer destination, which now shows a carousel of deals from various retailers. The platform also displays discounted prices for loyalty program members and provides pricing information based on historical averages for a typical retailer. Shoppers can also track price drops across different retailers and receive notifications when prices decrease.
As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, Google’s dominance as an information gateway faces challenges from competitors like Apple and Amazon. Schweidel envisions a future where shopping experiences will be seamlessly integrated into tech ecosystems without the need for web browsers, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation in the industry.
Overall, Google’s updates aim to make online shopping more convenient and transparent for consumers, helping them find the best deals and prices while keeping up with the evolving landscape of e-commerce.
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https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2024/06/24/google-updates-shopping-tools/74169137007/