Snapette was launched in 2011 by Jinhee Ahn Kim and Sarah Paiji, who were Harvard graduates with interests in fashion and retail innovation. The app marked a significant development at the junction of fashion and technology, providing a platform for users to discover and share fashion items, particularly high-end shoes and bags. Snapette utilized location-based technology to enhance the user's shopping experience by connecting them with nearby fashion deals and products.
Development and Purpose
Developed in Palo Alto, California, Snapette was aimed at altering the conventional retail landscape. The app allowed users to post photos and information about fashion products, facilitating a community-driven approach to retail discovery. Its design intended to merge the convenience of online browsing with the benefits of in-store shopping, addressing the evolving consumer shopping behaviors.
The app's development was driven by its founders' backgrounds: Kim's in fashion design and Paiji's in retail and technology consulting. This combination of skills contributed to Snapette’s growth from an idea to an operational platform, attracting a user base interested in fashion and technology.
Expansion Through Partnerships
Snapette expanded its reach by forming partnerships with retail stores in various fashion capitals, including but not limited to, cities like California, New York City, and London. These partnerships aimed to provide Snapette users with access to local and international brand deals, thereby enhancing the in-store shopping experience through the mobile app.
Acquisition and Retail Influence
In 2013, Snapette was acquired by PriceGrabber, a move that reflected the app's perceived value and its potential impact on retail and technology sectors. The acquisition by PriceGrabber, a subsidiary of Experian, was a significant event that validated Snapette's approach to integrating mobile technology with fashion retail.
Despite Snapette's absorption into a larger company, the app's concept continued to influence retail strategies, particularly in how it managed to drive physical store traffic by leveraging mobile technology.
Legacy and Evaluation
Although Snapette eventually ceased operations, the app's approach to shopping represented a notable shift in consumer behavior towards mobile integration. It highlighted the potential for mobile applications to complement traditional retail environments, encouraging a blend of online and in-person shopping experiences.
The story of Snapette from inception to acquisition provides insight into the challenges and opportunities within the tech and fashion retail industries. It serves as a point of reference for understanding how digital tools can influence consumer shopping habits and retail strategies.
For those interested in the historical aspects of Snapette, archival resources are available that offer insights into the app's features and user interface. These resources serve as a reference for understanding the impact of Snapette on the fashion retail sector.
Access Historical Information:
(Note: The provided links are intended for educational and archival purposes, as the functionality of the app may vary.)