Retailers are responding to the threat of cheaper online sellers by jumping onto mobile app bandwagon with the help of the social network.
Westfield has launched a ‘check in’ deals venture with Facebook as a way of pulling consumers out of their computer chairs and into their retail stores.
The system will alert customers of discounts when they use Facebook’s geo-tagging Places service to ‘check in’ at Westfield shopping centres.
The first week’s trial has commenced with 30 percent discounted from Angus & Coote jewellers, with a 30 percent discount at Cotton On coming soon.
Westfield has also launched a mobile app to aid shoppers in finding their cars in mazes of car parks. Launched initially at its Bondi Junction location, the app allows users to type in their license plate number to track their car’s position in the car park.
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Country Road is embracing online while retaining its physical retail presence in a dual effort that links the online shopping and brick-and-mortar store model.
The company plans to launch a multi-platform smartphone app for browsing and purchasing items, though is set to operate the same functions through its online site.
Customers will be able to view product availability at their local stores in real time and purchase items from physical stores via the Internet. While Country Road normally charges a $10 delivery charge, a free delivery trial is underway.
Grocery giants Coles and Woolworths are also taking smartphones in hand to capture shoppers, with Woolworths recently launching its own iPhone app to go up against Coles’ app, originally launched in 2009.
The QuickerFeet iPhone app is capitalising on retailers trying to grab consumer eyeballs on the mobile market. The app uses its own geo-tag service that sends out location-specific deal notices to QuickerFeet users nearby to draw customers into stores.
