Snap Lets Select Accounts Operate In-App Stores

Snap, the maker of the disappearing messaging app Snapchat, is rolling out new tools to enable select accounts to operate a store within Snapchat.

DigiDay, citing a Snap spokesperson, reported that Snapchat users will be able to access the Shopify-powered stores by visiting the account page of a brand. The checkout featured within the app is only for U.S. customers.  International users, the report noted, are sent to a mobile website. That is because of international privacy and data rules, the Snap spokesperson said in the report.

Starting this week, Snap will enable users to access shops from Kylie Jenner (Kylie Cosmetics); Kim Kardashian (KKW Beauty); Shay Mitchell (Béis); Spencer Pratt (Pratt Daddy Crystals); Bhad Bhabie (BHADgoods), reported DigiDay. The accounts already have access to a feature that lets users swipe up to buy products. The tools will be available to more accounts in the next few weeks. Khloe Kardashian (Good American) and Rob Kardashian (Arthur George) will soon be added, noted the report. The program will also be expanded to publishers at some point this year. Snap makes money by getting a piece of the transaction.

The Snap spokesperson said the company wants to roll out more stores since creators tend to sell several products and a store would enable them to showcase their entire collection.

The store launches come a few weeks after Snap inked a partnership with Shopify that will allow Shopify merchants to buy and manage Snapchat Story ad campaigns on Shopify’s platform. Story Ads in Snapchat will allow merchants to create their own branded content experiences for customers via the Snapchat Ads app. With the creation of a branded Tile in Snapchat’s Discover section, users will be able to unlock a collection of Snaps featuring the merchant’s products, and merchants can track sales with the Snap Pixel.