In-App Merchandise Shops

Snapchat merchandise has existed before, but the company has now moved to launch a full merch store in its popular photo-sharing paltform. Users can find the merch store on the Discover tab of the app, and from there they will find Snapchat-themed items. Plush items, headgear and apparel can be found with Snapchat-inspired designs. The store will boast a unique feature as items will randomly disappear from the store without warning. This feature mirrors the limited-time photo sharing used in Snapchat, and also lends itself to create a sense of exclusivity with the products.

The Snapchat merchandise store was allegedly not designed as a serious revenue stream for the app, but to instead serve as a tool to drive brand loyalty, though this imitative does give free marketing for the company. While the platform may not see this as a source of revenue, it is a powerful move into the realm of mobile retail. By integrating the store into the app, Snapchat has positioned itself as a brand that can actively reach a premium Gen Z audience. The combination of social media and store makes the shopping a seamless experience.