Any self-respecting business has a Facebook page. But while these pages were originally little more than another form of advertising, stores are increasingly using them to do real business. De Veen, which is selling women’s fashion, has over 5,000 followers who shop or make inquiries over photos of merchandise posted regularly on its page. No address, no .com, no phone number—you’ll only find De Veen on Facebook. Welcome to the new lunch break retail therapy!

Not everyone is as advanced, and many other shops are in transition. Avant-garde brand WWA and beauty parlor Rabbo post new merchandise on their wall but aren’t yet taking online orders. Likewise for Kan’ser, although the fashion brand does list its prices, making the window shopping experience more complete.

“Facebook photos draw people to our real shop but we don’t accept orders on Facebook yet. It’s complicated, and Thai shoppers still prefer looking at and trying on real items,” explains Puntit Dinakara, owner of Kan’ser.

That’s not the case for Sarinthorn Eiamfang, a co-owner of another Facebook shop, Parallel: “With Facebook, I don’t have to pay the fixed costs of a proper store. It’s cheaper to take online orders and do delivery, too. And for buyers, they don’t even have to move from their PC screen.”

Most shops will require clients transfer money to a bank account, then send the receipt to the store before it ships the products. The system is clunky and incredibly unsafe compared to rigorous e-payment and e-reputation systems like ebay, but it’s also a lot more friendly thanks to the power of Facebook’s comment, share and like functions. By “liking” a shop, you also subscribe to its feed, which means regular updates on your fave boutique’s latest arrivals.

As for sizing issues, there’s also a bit of everything. Parallel has its own system where they show photos of people wearing their products with indications on their height as a size-guide. De Veen has a more professional sizing standard with options for colors and fabrics, too.

Check Them Out

Parallel

www.facebook.com/paralell.apparel
Two girls who love striped t-shirts share their love with these tees in Japanese-style colors. Prices range from B350 for short-sleeves, B550 for long.

Kan’ser

www.facebook.com/kanser.page
Kan’ser features minimal masculine looks in black, white and a few basic colors for both men and women. Products are affordable, starting from B350 for a t-shirt.

De Veen

www.facebook.com/deveenshop
De Veen’s Facebook Page is always busy with updates and comments. Expect trendy girly products, from silky tops and dresses (B390-1,090) to high-heel shoes (B690-890).

Rabbo

www.facebook.com/rabbofan
This famous grey-market beauty product importers stocks the latest items from Japan, Korea and Western countries, ranging from rose-color blush-on to cleansing oil for sensitive skins.

WWA

http://ow.ly/2ArA6
As this avant-garde fashion store has recently turned into a multi-label shop, WWA keeps its wall busy with collections of sophisticated fashion by young designers with prices starting from B2,000-2,500 for a top.

SiamSquare.co.th

www.facebook.com/SiamSquare.co.th
This fashion store for girls just started posting a few new items created by their young designers.