Earlier this afternoon, I was part of a trend panel (along with Mondette.com’s Tasha Nita Adams and California Apparel News‘ Alison Nieder) presented by Fashion Group International at the California Market Center. And one of the subjects we discussed had to do with the relationship between traditional brick and mortar stores and their on-line counterparts.

We talked about the rise of mobile shopping apps (and how I believe that is a MAJOR part of retail’s future), how e-commerce websites now include their own editorial-style content with products strategically strewn in and how brands including downtown L.A.’s own Apliiq are giving consumers options to customize their purchases via the web (another trend I believe will be on the rise).

Weirdly, as soon as I got home I discovered this cool post from Refinery29 that lists seven e-commerce websites that offer more than just shopping. Among them are Shopbop, who includes editorial spreads of their goods and Net-a-Porter, who allows you to click, pause and buy product from right inside various runway videos. There are many others out there that employ other amazing marketing strategies besides for blogs, which are what the bulk of Refinery’s picks are, in essence. I’m working on my own list as a future post.

What are some of your favorite, unique e-commerce websites and why? Do you think these on-line “gimmicks” get people to buy more goods?

[7 E-Commerce Sites That Offer More Than Shopping | Refinery29]