Small businesses can now set up an online store for free on Facebook and Instagram, the social network has announced.

Facebook Shops will enable users to create and customise a page for their business as well as choose which product to showcase.

The social network said the new feature has been designed to help small businesses forced to close and now struggling during the coronavirus lockdown.

The feature has gone live on Facebook and Instagram in the UK and Ireland on Tuesday.

Facebook said the new tool means that “any seller no matter their size or budget, can bring their business online and connect with customers wherever and whenever it’s convenient for them”.

The social media giant said potential customers will be able to find Shop pages on a business’s Facebook page or Instagram profile, and then place orders via the business’s website.

Yahoo News