New GSN Platform Allows Shoppers to Log in to Retailer Websites via Facebook ID

Grocery Shopping Network (GSN) has launched its Social Media Integration suite – which allows shoppers to register for a grocer’s Web site using their Facebook identity -- with 20 retail partners in the United States.

The new Social Media Integration suite also allows retailers to personalize their shopping experience through a mix of transactional data coupled with Facebook profile information. “Shoppers who register using their Facebook identity have proven to be our retail partners most active and loyal shoppers,” said Andy Robinson, founder and CEO of GSN. “In return we are able to provide shoppers with an enormous amount of relevant resources, delivering a personalized shopping experience prior to visiting their favorite grocery store. By allowing consumers to register through their Facebook identity, we have simplified the shopper registration process for our Grocery retail partners.”

Using the Social Media Integration suite, shoppers also have the ability to share their favorite recipes with their family and friends by pressing the Facebook “Like” button or Twitter “Tweet” button featured on each recipe detail page.

“Through our research, we’ve verified that consumers use their grocers’ digital presence (Web site, mobile, and social) to pre-plan their shopping trips,” said Robinson. “This ‘Pre-tailing’ activity takes place before shoppers get to the store. Combining GSN’s proprietary intelligence with transactional data and current store offers has resulted in an increase of consumer spending with our participating retail partners. This personalization goes a long way towards creating a more dynamic consumer experience on our existing platform for grocery retailers.”

Among GSN’s retail partners that have launched the new Social Media Integration Suite are Scolari’s Food and Drug Company, Strack and Van Til Supermarkets, Ultra, Grand Union Family Markets, Coborn’s, and D’Agostino’s.

In coming months, the full launch of GSN’s Social Media Integration suite will include tools that allow consumers to register and log-in with their existing Google or Yahoo identities, and will also give consumers the ability to share circular items with their friends through Facebook and Twitter.

Minneapolis-based GSN’s platform was developed to connect consumers, retailers, and brands through its content, advertising, and software for retail Web sites.