Facebook tests 'want' button for online shoppers

FACEBOOK tests a new "want" function with retailers which will allow users to create a "wishlist" of consumer items that they can then buy.

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E-COMMERCE via social media is a step closer with Facebook testing a new function with retailers which will allow users to create a "wishlist" of items.

Facebook announced that it has joined forces with seven retailers — including Pottery Barn, Victoria's Secret, and Neiman Marcus — to test the platform which allows users to "want", "collect," or "like" a product. If you "like" something, then the item will show up in your Timeline, Reuters reports.

A spokesperson emailed a statement to AllFacebook explaining:

"We’ve seen that businesses often use pages to share information about their products through photo albums.

"Today, we are beginning a small test in which a few select businesses will be able to share information about their products through a feature called Collections.

"Collections can be discovered in news feed, and people will be able to engage with these collections and share things they are interested in with their friends. People can click through and buy these items off of Facebook."

Facebook's new Collections feature will gradually be offered to 100 percent of its US users, Facebook said.

Some users will see the "want" button as part of the test, while others will see a button inviting them to "collect" an item or to "like" an item.

Read more on the Facebook 'want' button.