Google Catalogis being researched hard by Google and finally we see that it is now out as a new app for tablets. It is a free app but as for now is out only for iPad users. This app works just like its name, it is a catalog which has a collection of well known retailers such as Sephora, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Tea Collection, Sundance, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Lands’ End, L.L. Bean, Crate and Barrel, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bare Escentuals.
The competitors here would be the retailer web sites and paper catalogs. It is a major competitor to these traditional forms as it gives a user an option to make a varied search in the catalog. One can just zoom in a picture and they would be detailed with the other pictures and videos of the product. Additionally, this app even gives an option to the user to get a notification as soon as a new catalog is out or even to save their favorite items. One can check for the required products in the catalog list of the nearby stores as there is an option for the users to mortar close by stores. They can even visit the merchant’s online store and use the ‘Buy on Website’ option.
An interesting feature of this app users is to make a collage which would incorporate one’s favorites which may be for kitchen utensils, jewelry or fashion, one would get them all in one. It would be catchy for those users who like to attack real catalogs with glue and scissors as it would save a lot of their time. Sharing this collage is even an option which would let one’s friends know about their fashion sense.
There has not been any detailing as to would Google get a kickback from the listed retailers for listing them in the app. The listed retailers would surely earn good out of the sale they make via the app. NextWeb said that they are trying to get this point clarified from Google.
Google has been trying its level best to penetrate the retail world and this again is an attempt for the same. Google has however chose a limited target approach in this form as only iPad users would be accessing the app, which might be out for others too in the near future.
Recently, Google has even worked on other retail projects which were Boutiques.com and Trend Analytics. Boutiques.com had additions of many new boutiques which included designers such as Thakoon, Billy Reid, Michael Kors and Helmut Lang. Trend Analytics was a tool which was launched at the same time as Boutiques.com.
One can check out the video for the app on iPad below:
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Talking about the app on the whole, it is a nice app which would reduce the clutter in one’s recycle bin and save a lot of money one wastes on paper catalog subscription. However, there is still an option for improvement. These improvements could be for increasing navigation options and bettering the catalog selection.
The app is free and can be downloaded from here.