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Mobile Deals for Those Who Want Them
by Chuck Martin, Tuesday, August 5, 2014 12:32 PM
Mobile commerce is becoming available wherever and whenever a consumer
wants it. As we get ready for the wave of beacon deployment announcements by major retailers just around the corner, it’s becoming obvious that retailers and brands will be able to
target and reach mobile shoppers almost anywhere in any environment and context. The technological capabilities are advancing and being deployed in a countless number of areas. Some
examples:
- Mobile shoppers at major department stores can use Scanlife, ShopSavvy or Amazon PriceCheck to quickly scan a barcode to make sure they’re getting the best local price
on the product.
- Movie theater chains are allowing movie goers to snap a photo of a movie poster and make an instant mobile purchase the products being worn by the onscreen characters.
- Financial institutions like TD Bank offer mobile-optimized sites to quickly open a checking, savings or money market account.
- Apps like RetailMeNot, ValPak, Checkout51 and SnipSnap
simplify mobile coupons from retailers or brands based on location.
- Mobile shoppers can use their phone to pay at checkout with Square, LevelUp or Isis or split a restaurant bill be sending
money to each other using Venmo or Google Wallet.
- As they near a store, mobile shoppers can receive real-time SMS and MMS offers based on current inventory, thanks to geofencing technology.
While roaming the aisles, these consumers can receive coupons triggered by beacons, like those in Lord & Taylor and Hudson’s Bay stores.
The reality is that not everyone will
want this nor will they do all or any part of it. Some retailers, brands and agencies are well aware they have to provide value to the mobile shopper and not simply deploy new
technologies. This phase of momentary marketing is when retailers and brands are experimenting to see what works in real-time for mobile shoppers. Many consumers have figured this out
and are taking advantage and getting the deals. This and all the top mobile commerce topics are on tap for this Thursday’s
MediaPost OMMA mCommerce conference in New York. Check out the
agenda and
register to attend. See you there!