Foreword

Shopping has always been an inherently social endeavor—whether it’s serendipitously finding a great deal at a local boutique or going on a mission with a close friend to find the perfect accessory for a big event. Human interactions and shared experiences are a vital part of the appeal of shopping. And it’s no surprise that today these same experiences have moved online, thanks in part to the rise of social media.

The explosion of consumer interest and participation in social networks has naturally and quickly moved into social commerce. Transacting within social networks is predicted to rise from $5 billion in 2011 to $30 billion by 2015. What’s more, analysts predict that by 2015, companies will generate 50 percent of Web sales via their social presence and mobile applications.

PayPal thrives at the heart of this emerging social commerce era. Our mission is to define the future of shopping and paying, allowing anyone to pay anytime and anywhere. And we’re doing this by making paying more social. Already, you can find PayPal in numerous group buying and group gifting apps, powering “social shopping malls” on the most popular social networks, and on millions of mobile devices that share shopping experiences, local deals, and more.

Ever-more retailers are experimenting with new ways to utilize social media to connect with customers and drive sales. At PayPal, our core social media tenets include listening, participating, and adding value. After all, at its core, social media is about building deeper connections with people. We’re committed to helping our customers seize the social commerce opportunity. This area will see significant innovation in the coming years, and PayPal will be a driving force.

—Amanda Pires
Senior Director of Global Communications
PayPal