Microsoft launches price comparison site
Microsoft is launching a new UK shopping comparison site, MSN Shopping Channel, to compete head to head with the likes of Google’s Froogle and Yahoo!’s Kelkoo.
The new site is being launched in partnership with shopping comparison sites PriceRunner and Shopping.com.
According to predictions from Forrester Research, the amount spent by consumers on online shopping in Europe is expected to more than double by 2011, growing by an estimated 160bn (108.3m) to hit 263bn (178m).
John Brewer, director of MSN Shopping for Europe, says: "Shopping online will continue to grow dramatically in the United Kingdom and advertisers and retailers alike are becoming switched on to the huge potential this offers them in terms of customers and sales."
MSN claims that its network currently reaches a global audience of more than 465 million unique users, plus millions more through Windows Live, Xbox, Microsoft Office and Live Search. Advertisers will be able to use Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions products and services designed to interact with their target audiences across the various Microsoft offerings.
UK marketers will be offered advertising opportunities on MSN pages (home page, shopping home page and category pages) as well as the ability to target site visitors through special editorial content such as feature gift guides, special offers and seasonal promotions.
