Facebook launches 'Shops' to showcase online stores

But, with internet usage at a high, the prospect of making retail an online activity is as appealing as it can be.

Social networking giant Facebook has launched a new initiative, called Shops, which helps provide tools to businesses that want to take a leap to the world of online trade.

Sellers have the option of easily setting up on Facebook and Instagram, as well as advertise directly to customers; American merchants can use a Facebook checkout service too.

The platform is expected to roll out in the coming months to around 160 million businesses that already use the social network; Facebook also plans to weave Shops into Messenger and WhatsApp, at some point.