Retailers open stores on Facebook

MENLO PARK, Calif., May 11 (UPI) -- The massive number of Facebook members is proving too tempting for many U.S. retailers to resist, experts said.

Facebook now has 500 million members, about half of whom visit the Web site daily, USA Today reported Wednesday.

On a typical month, members spend 700 billion minutes logged into the popular social Web site.

While Internet users can make a few clicks and find many online retailers, a growing number of companies are opening stores on Facebook, which allows users to shop without leaving the Web site.

"Expecting people to come to your Web site is expecting them to make an extra effort. They're already on on Facebook," Janet Fouts, a social media coach, told the newspaper.

"It's social networks like Facebook that are the center of people's lives. It's where their friends are. It's where they play games. And it's increasingly becoming where they shop," she said.

Among retailers opening up online outlets on Facebook are clothing seller Express, J.C. Penny, and 1-800-Flowers.

Delta Airlines has been selling plane tickets from its Facebook page since August last year. Electronic game retailer GameStop has also opened up a Facebook store, USA Today said.