Google Unveils New Features for Retailers

Yesterday, Google announced "Showcase Shopping" ads, a visual product ad for retailers. The ads are being created to help people find what they're looking for even when the search query they enter is vague. According to Google, 40 percent of consumers look for items based on vague keyword searches such as "summer dress," "women's athletic clothing," etc. Now, merchants can create a gallery of related products instead of showcasing just a single product result. Showcase Shopping ads will be available in the coming weeks to all merchants running campaigns in the U.S., U.K. and Australia.

Total Retail's Take: This is the most recent announcement in a suite of tools for retailers provided by Google. In addition to Showcase Shopping ads, the search giant also announced it will be tweaking its shopping ads on YouTube, allowing merchants to highlight products in their videos as well as related products the consumer might be interested in. The product launch couldn't have come at a better time, just before retailers are starting their holiday marketing preparations.