Walmart launched a Facebook group to capitalize on the college crowd using social networking technologies. Walmart’s group includes a javascript app that allows Facebook users who visit the Wal-Mart group to take a quiz to determine their decorating style and get a list of “recommended products” they can buy at Wal-Mart to combine their style with their roommate’s. The quiz works like a simplistic Myers-Briggs personality test and from that it determines products that fit that style.
A study conducted last year by the National Retail Federation shows the average first-year college student spent $1,112.62, mainly on electronics and home furnishings. Walmart hopes to capitalize on this and it’s new “Site to Store” offering which allows consumers to order on the web and pick up in the store.
So far the Facebook app has gained 661 members, although this doesn’t show how many people used the app without joining the group. It’s also interesting at how many negative posts have been made about Walmart on their “Wall”. The “Wall” is a built in application in Facebook which allows users to leave graffiti like messages on the user/group’s profile page. The negative messages range from comments about the quality of Walmart’s merchandising to their workplace practices.
I’m not sure if this can be considered a sucess or not. It would be interesting to see what results someone like Target would have if they made a similar offering.
Update: Up to 1062 users. More comments and coverage on the story below.
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