More and more retailers and sellers are now looking at innovative and new ways to advertise while reaching more people than ever before and the internet here has offered them with the perfect solution - social media marketing, or advertising using social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

The latest big brand to enter this world of advertising is office supply store Staples, who recently sent its Facebook Page fans and Twitter followers an update offering a sneak peek into the firm's Black Friday sale.

Sharing that this was the first year that the company had indulged in this form of reaching out to its customers, Staples spokesperson Amy Shandler said, "This is where people live and spend their free time, and it's a more conversational medium. It's a two-way dialogue", while also noting that this was also the best way to receive customers' feedback.

Other giant chains which have experimented with online social advertising include JC Penny, Best Buy, Home Depot, Toy R Us and Sears. While some retailers had used the strategy last season as well, this year's involvement has been much more. Experts believe that the trend will grow with each passing year.