Going Mainstream

Blogshops, especially in Singapore, are no longer a niche activity, it seems, but are increasingly going mainstream.

The evidence for this are:

1. Many are converting into professional e-commerce sites. They ditch the blog format for more conventional website platforms and utilizing shopping carts, cleaner interfaces, etc.

2. Many of them have physical store fronts (but retain some blogshop characteristics, like in their names).  IN Orchard Road, there is a Haji Lane that is populated by small blogshop businesses.

3.  They continue to utilize social media, especially Facebook and Twitter.  Many of them have moved a significant part of their business on Facebook where they use it as another outlet to sell from.

4.  Blogshops also take opportunities to sell their wares in weekend markets, flea markets, blogshop fairs or events that are either specially created for blogshops or that provide one-off opportunities for blogshops to participate.

5. The whole blogshop ecology is developing at a fast rate, especially in Singapore.  It is gaining acceptance as there are now many major events that involve blogshops or where blogshops are highlighted.

The event described in the Funny Umbrella blog is one such example.  A modelling event that is participated by a major consumer brand (Panasonic) and involving blogshops as fashion providers.

Here is a screen-shot of an ad by a Singaporean teenager who wishes to model for blogshops.

Blogshop Models ad

 From http://singapore.gumtree.sg/c-Jobs-part-time-evening-weekend-BLOGSHOP-MODEL-W0QQAdIdZ190469072

Blogshops require people to model their clothes.  This has created a need for people to offer their services as models who are paid to appear on blogshops.

This is an example of an ad in Singapore of someone who is offering her services as a blogshop model:

View larger image

Date Listed 08/03/2010 Address Singapore View map Hi, Im currently 14 , looking for a modelling job for blogshops.  I just want to earn some extra income.    I have some experience in modelling (i did a modelling  campaign for crocs at christmas time and pictures were  displayed at Marina Square and Plaza Singapura.)   I'm quite short (160 cm, 44kg) but can work the clothes! :) willing to model for clothes (no revealing stuff please!),  accessories (no earrings), shoes, hair accessories etc..   Height: 1.60m D: Weight: 44kg   If you are willing to hire me, please leave a reply,  more info will be given to you if you need it. But do state your blogshop url (if available)   thank you! See attached pictures. Visits: 174