From eco chic lifestyle magazines to women-owned web design, e-commerce social innovations are emerging as an exemplary way of merging social enterprise with the digital age. While social enterprise is often considered to be a service-oriented act that happens on-the-ground, more and more individuals are taking it online -- instead of to the streets.
E-commerce social innovations can be beneficial for the business, customer and cause because its very structure allows for the reach of numerous people. At the same time, however, your client base is often restricted to those with high-quality Internet access. Organizations that focus on the base of the pyramid often use mobile technology to run e-commerce platforms based around the infrastructure that is (or in most cases, is not) available. Thus, mobile commerce tends to stand out as a Majority World trend.
20 E-Commerce Social Innovations
From Eco Chic Lifestyle to Women-Owned Web Design:
Social Business Editor — May 13, 2014 — Social Good
20
Altruistic Artisan E-Marketplaces
ArtZoco's Social Marketplace Brings E-Commerce to Artisans
19
Conscious E-Commerce
Ethical Ocean is an Online Marketplace for Eco, Organic & Fair Trade Products
18
Mindful Web Marketplaces
The 'Mindful Market' Sells Conscious Products to Educate and Inspire
17
Life-Changing Coffee Deliveries
Vega Connects Farmers and Consumers Directly
16
Rural Online Markets
This E-Commerce Marketplace Provides Internet Access to Isolated Indian Areas
15
Clothes Recycling Initiatives
Reformation's RefRecycle Asks Shoppers to Send in Old Outfits
14
Eco Chic Lifestyle Magazines
'Positive Luxury' Helps Customers Make Ethical Fashion Choices
13
One-Stop Social Good Shops
The Ethical Superstore Offers Bundles of Fair Trade and Eco Products
12
Contemporary For-Benefit E-Commerce
We See Beauty Tries to Sell Coop-Made Products with Visuals
11
Eco E-Commerce Rewards
Recyclebank and One Twine Let You Pay with Environmentally Friendly Acts
10
Online Foodie Marketplaces
FarmersWeb Connects Producers and Buyers in the NY Tri-State Area
9
Girl Scout Online Shops
Digital Cookie Sells Beloved Girl Scout Cookies on the World Wide Web
8
Members-Only Social Boutiques
The New Ethical Ocean Website Presents a Revamped E-Commerce Company
7
Women-Owned Web Design
YIKES, Inc. is a Competitive and Sustainable Business
6
Socially Responsible Marketing Solutions
Eighty2degrees is Sustainability-Driven Graphic Design
5
Artistic Internet-Supporting Tees
Tumblr's Net Neutrality T-Shirt Line Features Different Artists
4
Empowering Icon-Based Interfaces
The Artisan Marketplace Helps Moroccans Reach More Customers
3
B Corp Commerce
Dharma Merchant Services Makes Credit Cards Greener, More Philanthropic
2
Customized Microchip Libraries
The eGranary Pocket Library Provides Access to Information
1
Monthly Goodwill Memberships
CharitySub Makes Supporting Urgent Causes Easy
Related Ideas
Sustainable Streetwear Store Interiors
Snarkitecture Embraces Recycled Materials for This Store
Retro-Style Electric Trikes
The Conceptual E-Trike Revolution by André Fangueiro is Eye-Catching
Authenticated Luxury Shops
The eBay Luxury Exchange Accepts Pre-Owned Luxury as Currency
Woman-Owned Eco Totes
Digital Avenue is a Woman-Founded Spunky Tote Bag Brand Based in Toronto
Social e-Commerce Platforms
Hoppn Creates "A New Type of Centralized Online Shopping Experience"
Smartwatch-Attached Smartphone Concepts
The Conceptual Sony Smart Switch Ecosystem is All-in-One
Chic Versatile Bags
Sol and Selene Revolutionizing Athleisure with Chic, Versatile Bags
Expressive AR Fashion
Innovation Metaverse Design Story is a Digital Collection from H&M
Next-Gen Graphic Attire
Serenity Trends’ Graphic Clothing Offers a Futuristic Aesthetic
Community-Driven Retail Stores
Stone Island's Munich Store Emphasizes the Importance of Community
Gen Z-Targeted Scooter Models
The Conceptual 'Omni' Electric Scooter is Customizable
Virtual Beauty Storefronts
The Clinique Lab is a Next-Gen Digital Retail Concept
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Purposeful Empowering Apparel
Living Life on Purpose: Connecting with Customers through Clothing
Engaging Shelf Displays
Netvisual is Elevating In-Store Advertising with its Shelf Edge Displays
Eco Mission-Inspired Bracelets
Ecoalition Launches Eco-Friendly Bracelets to Support Its Mission
AI-Powered Shopping Apps
Shoptrue Curates Personalized Fashion Picks with Artificial Intelligence
On-Demand Fashion Production
Shein Moves Away From its Fast Fashion Roots with New Manufacturing
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Senior-Friendly E-Commerce Modes
Taobao's 'Elderly Mode' Helps Seniors Navigate Online Shopping
Online Merchandise Storefronts
The Panera Shop Gives Access to Bread-themed Apparel & Carb-Couture
One-of-One Clothing Collections
mmERCH Uses Generative Design to Create "Neo-Couture"
AI-Powered Virtual Closets
Stylitics' Products Support Next-Gen Personalized Shopping
Co-Browsing Shopping Platforms
buywith's Next Gen Co-Browsing Patent Helps Customers Shop Together
Digital Streetwear Collaborations
The Fabricant x Highsnobiety Dropped During Paris Fashion Week
Eco-Friendly Inclusive Apparel
SHEIN Launches evoluSHEIN Line Designed to be Accessible for All
Magazine-Integrated QR Features
ARCADE Launches the ELLE x Clarks Shoe Visualiser and Experience
Sustainable Fashion Stores
Cos Unveils Two Stores in Stockholm and Mexico City
E-Commerce Beauty Packaging
Aptar Beauty + Home's Redesigned Packaging is "E-Commerce Capable"
Gamified Shopping Apps
Yaysay Combines AI-Powered Personalization & Gamification
eCommerce AI Photos
PhotoHero Provides Free Images and Editing Abilities
E-Commerce Advertising Solutions
Reddit is Enhancing its Reach with the New Dynamic Product Ads
Clothing Buy-Back Programs
Eileen Fisher Revolutionizes Clothing Recycling with Renew Program
Laundry Tab E-Commerce Packaging
Reckitt Debuts New E-Commerce Packaging For its 'Multipower Tabs'
Online Luxury Resale Platform
eBay Has Launched a Luxury Consignment Platform for High-End Clothes
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
Asia-Focused Sustainable Packaging
aCommerce & Johnson & Johnson Create New Sustainable Packaging
Corrugated E-Commerce Boxes
MODIVO SA Utilizes Mondi's Corrugated Boxes for its E-Commerce Orders
Community Commerce Pop-Ups
TikTok Shop UK Opened a Pop-Up on London's Oxford Street
Experiential Social Clubs
Marshalls' Good Stuff Social Club Empowers & Connects Women
Sustainably-Focused Experimental Fashion
Noki & the NESTT Showcase an Upcycled Fashion Collection
AI Beauty Shopping Apps
Trendio's Video Shopping App Shares Personally Curated Content
Online Fashion Apps
'MUSINSA' Launched a New E-Commerce Fashion App in Singapore
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Phygital Fashion Platforms
Macy's and Journee Debut the mstylelab Platform for Users
Live Commerce Holiday Windows
TalkShopLive's WindowShopping Merges Physical & Digital Experiences
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Eco Tech Accessory Pop-Ups
The CASETiFY Style Lab Highlights the Work of Gen Z Fashion Students
Integrated E-Commerce Apps
Amazon is Adding 'Buy with Prime' to Shopify through New Integrations
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Elderly E-Commerce Education
JD's New Service Center Helps the Elderly Adapt to Online Shopping
Modern Consignment Programs
GotStyle Recently Launched a New Consignment Program
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Eco-Friendly Glam Fashion
The H&M Studio S/S23 Collection Converges Wearability & Glamor
Secondhand Fashion Editorials
Vinted Styled a Shoot Exclusively with Vinted Finds
Digital Fashion Designer Incubators
The SYKY Collective Represents the Future of Luxury Fashion
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Try-On E-Commerce Solutions
Zero10 Launches the New AI-Enabled Try-On Tools for E-Commerce
Product Maker Launch Platforms
MicroLaunch Offers a Streamlined Avenue for Feedback
Virtual Appliance Showrooms
Samsung's Shoppable Instagram Profiles Replace Department Stores
Eco-Friendly Telecom Companies
SK Group Showcased Over 40 Sustainable Technologies at CES 2023
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Social Media-Inspired eCommerce Features
Amazon Inspire Features Content and Lets Users Shop Looks
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
B2B eCommerce Partnerships
Zakeke is Partnering with Elogic Commerce on Developmental Projects
Omnichannel Grocery Technologies
Instacart Launches the New Omnichannel Solutions for Grocers
Digital Delivery Service Storefronts
Instacart Storefront Lets Retailers Customize the Interface
AI-Generated Shopping Campaigns
Sandton City's Latest Campaign Integrates Smart Technology
AR Secondhand Shops
American Eagle Outfitters' RE/AE Shop Spotlights Sustainable Goods
Sustainable Running Gear
Cloudneo and Cyclon-T: On's Innovations in Eco-Friendly Running Gear
Efficiency-Driven Digital Ad Solutions
ShopLiftr is Revolutionizing Digital Advertising
Beauty-Focused Shopping Apps
The 'Trendio' Live Shopping App Offers Access to Beauty Content
Minimalist Social Media Platforms
Bluesky is a Simple, Minimalist Social Media Platform
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Sustainable Fashion Certification Services
Loro Piana Customers Can Track Product Eco-Friendliness
Four-Hour E-Commerce Deliveries
IShopChangi Launches an E-Commerce Delivery Service with FoodPanda
Communication App Shopping Experiences
WhatsApp Flows Allow for In-App Booking and Shopping
Sneakerhead Mentoring Programs
eBay's Sneaker Academy Turns Sneakerheads Into Entrepreneurs
Third-Party Artisanal Marketplaces
Michaels Launches the MarkerPlace Alternative Marketplace
Digital Passport Partnerships
Viamedici Partnered with Sustain360 on Environmental Initiatives
Branded Customer Resale Marketplaces
Relove Enables Businesses to Launch C2B2C Storefronts
Innovative SCO Kiosks
Austrian Brand Shopreme Debuts a New Self-Checkout Kiosk for Retailers
Apparel Brand Industry Expansions
'Reebok' is Expanding to Enter the Micro-Mobility Space
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
AI-Backed eCommerce Platforms
New Era Japan is Upgraded with GroupBy's AI eCommerce Search
Social Shopping Features
YouTube Introduces a New 'Shopping Collections' Feature for Creators
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative So Save the Forests
eCommerce Fashion Sizing Solutions
'Stailor' Helps Customers Get the Right Size to Reduce Returns
Eco Fashion Shipping Initiatives
Olive Reusable Packaging Keeps Clothes Out of Landfills
Self-Guided Cannabis Retail Experiences
BLAZE ECOM Revolutionizes In-Store Cannabis Retail
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
Digital Retailer Strategy Updates
This Walmart eCommerce Update Refreshes the Website and App
Gridded Immersive Retail Experiences
Studio Lotus Designs the New Ekaya Banaras Retail
Retail Social Platforms
Walmart is Taking Social Media Seriously with 'Walmart Creator'
Community-Driven Clothing Companies
'Bombas' Makes a Donation for Each Item Purchased
B2B eCommerce Retailer Platforms
Walmart Business Streamlines Access to Essentials
Online Sustainable Fashion Toolkits
Fashion Takes Action Features an Important Resource
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Offline Shopping Campaigns
'Shop Offline' Helps People Rediscover the Joy of Real-World Shopping
eCommerce Credit Cards
Shopify Credit is a Business Card Exclusively for Merchants
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Virtual Personal Styling Services
Fashivly Was Founded by Professional Stylist Ashlyn Greer
Virtual Shopper Solutions
Firework Launches a One-to-One Video Chat Solution for Virtual Shoppers
Eco-Conscious Web Browsers
Ecosia Has Launched an Eco-Friendly Internet Browser for Clean Energy
Community-Driven Collector Apps
Connectible is a First-of-Its-Kind Social Media App for Collectors
Shopping-Oriented Metaverses
Flipkart Launches Its Own E-Commerce Metaverse, 'Flipverse'
Video-Powered eCommerce Services
Apple Shop with a Specialist Over Video Supports At-Home Shopping
Social Digital Nomad Apps
The 'Citizen Remote' App Supports Remote Workers and More
Social E-Commerce Platforms
TikTok is Launching a New E-Commerce Platform for Consumers
Professional-Quality E-Commerce Furniture Tools
3D Cloud by Marxent is a Groundbreaking Update
Home Decor Apps
Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen Launch Mobile Apps for E-Commerce Sales
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Personalized E-Commerce Platforms
Jarikre Debuts a New E-Commerce Solution for Nigerian Consumers
Circular Collaborative Seating Designs
Aquafil Joins noho and ECONYL on a New Project
Video Call Shopping Services
Apple's Specialist over Video Service Enhances Personalization
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Accessible Commerce Engines
Ecommerce Platform Mason Seeds $7.5m as It Takes on the ‘Amazon Tax’
West African Super Apps
'ShaQ Express' has Evolved from Logistics to a Super App in a Few Years
Ethical Supply Chain Initiatives
'ASOS' is Taking Steps to Weed Out Vendors Who Use Child Labor
Fashion Resale Platforms
SHEIN Launches a New Peer-to-Peer Resale Platform Called SHEIN Exchange
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
Mobile Artwork Purchasing Platforms
The 'Cohart' Platform Supports Modern Art Buyers and Sellers
Social Good Brand Practices
Dignity Coconuts Positions Itself to Combat Human Trafficking
Circular Luxury Clubs
'More' Supports More Conscious Shopping and More Accessible Luxury
Highly Customizable Marketplace Platforms
McFadyen Digital Partners with Nautical Commerce
Second Hand Tech Retailers
DOKAN is a Canadian Destination for Quality Used Tech Products
Integrated Merchandise Media Platforms
OnlyFans Integrates Merchandise Shopping on its Platform
On-Demand Convienience Shopping
Just Eat and Co-op Launch a UK-Based On-Demand Delivery Service
Forest-Preserving Brand Initiatives
Three Prominent Chinese Fashion Companies Join Canopy
Enhanced Shopping Results
Google Updates its Search Engine to Better Aid Holiday Shopping
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Business E-Money Services
Greengage Debuts a E-Money Service for Businesses to Handle Money Easily
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Hospitality Full-Suite Commerce Platforms
fanz.io is a New Hospitality technology Start-Up
Live Shoppable Streams
CommentSold Introduces a New Shopify Feature for Live Shopping
Social Wishlist Networks
WishSpace Lets Users Store Their Wishlists for Easier Gifting