Near & Native

The challenge

Validating Product Discovery in a Regional Market

Near & Native is a Maine-based retail brand known for curated, design-forward candles and gifts. As the brand explored new growth channels, the team wanted to understand whether Google Shopping could drive meaningful product discovery within a regional market. Without prior Google Ads data, the goal was to establish a clear baseline while testing demand thoughtfully without over-investing or shifting brand positioning. As a higher-consideration brand in a competitive space, the challenge was not just visibility, but understanding how shoppers would engage with product listings and whether Google Shopping could generate qualified interest.

Key objectives

• Validate demand for Google Shopping within a regional market
• Understand how shoppers engage with product listings
• Establish a reliable performance baseline before scaling
• Identify which products and categories resonate most with shoppers
• Maintain efficiency while testing a new acquisition channel

The solution

A Controlled Google Shopping Pilot Focused on Learning

We partnered with Near & Native to execute a focused, three-month Google Shopping pilot designed specifically to generate insight and establish a performance baseline.

The campaign was structured to surface product imagery, pricing, and brand presence directly within search results, while isolating demand through geo-targeting in Maine. Budget controls were maintained to ensure efficient spend, and both purchase and engagement actions were tracked to better understand shopper behavior.

This approach allowed Near & Native to test Google Shopping in a controlled environment and gain meaningful insights without overcommitting resources.

The story

From Assumptions to Actionable Insight

Near & Native approached Google Shopping with a clear question: could it drive meaningful product discovery within Maine?

With no historical Google Ads data to guide strategy, we positioned the initiative as a focused pilot centered on learning. Rather than optimizing strictly for purchases, the campaign prioritized visibility and engagement to understand how shoppers responded to the brand, product catalog, and Shopping environment.

Over three months, the campaign generated more than 1 million impressions and nearly 13,000 clicks, confirming meaningful demand within the category. Engagement data revealed which products captured attention, how shoppers interacted with the site, and which items resonated most. The campaign also generated direct purchases, demonstrating that visibility and engagement were translating into action.

Beyond the initial performance metrics, the pilot provided Near & Native with validated demand, valuable shopper insights, and a clearer understanding of product performance. These learnings established a stronger foundation for future optimization, investment, and growth.