Shop.com, WhiteFence begin consumer deals partnership

Shopping comparison site Shop.com began a partnership with home services portal WhiteFence on September 10 to help consumers find deals on household services. The partnership will allow Shop.com to expand the areas its customers can search through WhiteFence's store and product listings, as well as its social media tools and blogs.

WhiteFence was a natural choice for a partnership because it aggregates deals on Internet, TV, phone, credit card and utility services. Shop.com focuses on consumer goods, including shoes, clothing, housewares and electronics, said Roger Ritchie, senior director of marketplace and business development at Shop.com.

“Home is one of our strongest categories, and this gives us a way to create an environment for you as a consumer,” he said. “If you're looking for a home phone service or mover on WhiteFence, you can click on Shop.com for furniture or home products.”

Ritchie added that helping consumers find deals on services in these channels will be more important to Shop.com because of the growth of its gadgets and electronics sales channel.

The partnership also includes Shop.com's sister site, ShopCompanion, which offers local city shopping guides, including store listings, as well as four shopping related blogs. The site added a “services” tab connecting to WhiteFence, while the service aggregator added a “more” tab on the top of its own home page, linking to Shop.com.

“Before the holidays [consumers are] looking to save money,” said Ritchie. “It's all about adding value.”