Nearly 1 in 5 online shoppers claim that their recent purchase made after seeing the image on Pinterest was at Etsy.com, according to the latest study from the Bizrate Insights Image Sharing and Shopping Series.  Branded stores and small boutiques came in at a close second with 13% and 12% completing their purchases at the aforementioned, respectively. 

"Our research among online buyers shows that image sharing sites have inspired purchases, a trend that will likely grow as more categories/images/brands/retailers become available on sites such as Pinterest" remarks Hayley Silver, Vice President, Bizrate Insights.  "Smaller retailers appear to be leading the charge on sites such as Pinterest, as exemplified by their ability to ignite a passionate base of supporters to gain sales through grassroots efforts.  Therefore it is not surprising that today these retailers are in the spotlight.  It will be interesting to see how the dynamic changes as larger retail brands begin to emulate or improve upon customer engagement in the new medium."   

The study also takes a look at the browsing versus buying behavior on the popular social image sharing site as well as categories driving interest and engagement.  The second series adds deeper insight to the first consumer pulse which found that 25% of those aware of image sharing sites, such as Pinterest, have made a purchase through them.