Zwinky Partners with ShoeBuy.com

Zwinky has partnered with ShoeBuy.com to sell both virtual and real shoes from adidas, Skechers, Jessica Simpson, Tommy Hilfiger, and Dr. Martens. The Shoebuy.com Boutique will display the virtual items for Zwinky avatars alongside the real-world version, giving users the opportunity to click through to the ShoeBuy.com site to complete the real-world transaction. The opening will also feature a product tie-in to Jordin Sparks' new album, which she recently promoted in Habbo Hotel, with an option to purchase the album from iTunes. 

"Many of the leading brands are looking to connect with a younger audience, and the vehicle to reach these consumers is the Internet," James Keller, Vice President of Marketing for Shoebuy.com, said in a statement. "Zwinky is a great way to showcase these brands, and if Zwinky users love the shoes for their avatar, they can purchase the real shoes by clicking from the Shoebuy Zwinky Boutique to Shoebuy.com."

In logic that's been expressed by most youth-oriented worlds, Zwinky agrees.

"Zwinky owners want to wear brand name apparel on their virtual selves just as they do in their real lives. What they wear online says a lot about who they are," said John Park, Executive Vice-President and General Manager for IAC Consumer Applications and Portals, the parent company of Zwinky.