Over the past several years, it seems like there is some new technology piece appearance that is supposed to enhance your shopping experience, every time I walk into Target. Stores like Walmart and Target keep adding TVs through out their store. While the coupon dispensers that spit out discounts for items you probably weren’t planning on buying have disappeared, it isn’t hard to find a customer showing the cashier their iPhone with a coupon on-screen that had come to their email. Coffee shops like Starbucks have applications for their mobile devices that allow you to pay by just scanning your phone. While some of this seems to be a great idea, it is also frighting for the consumers. For some, it seems like it is a war between the company and their wallet. For others, it is a great advancement; being able to pay through your phone makes things much easier. But where will technology be headed next?
On November 21st, Shopkick released a video showing their latest advancements to the technology behind retail shopping, which ultimately explains their main product. Take a look:
At first, I thought that this was a great idea, coming from a marketers’ point of view. Right after, I was a little creeped out, thinking about using this in my own personal life.
Being able to reach out to customers and marketing items that they were thinking about purchasing, but weren’t completely sure about buying is a great idea. Being able to dangle that items, that the viewer wants, in front of them on the internet is one thing. But being able to say, “Hey! Look! That super cool TV is right there next to you” is another. Think of how greatly this can influence sales!
But wait… Would I really download this on my iPhone? Probably not.
I am one of the people who added onto Amazon.com‘s $61 billion of revenue last year. I love shopping on Amazon versus in-store. If I can wait two days for shipping, then I don’t have to leave my home, drive through traffic and deal with a sales associate (who sometimes, isn’t really any help), only to find that the item is out of stock. Amazon usually gives you the best price, lets you compare prices with other stores and provides user reviews on the quality of the product.
However, I have noticed that, in the past year or so, if you look for book, for example, on Amazon, and the ads for that exact book will forever be on any website you look at. It is a great idea and is extremely effective, but really ticks me off!
So, why would I want Shopkick buzzing in my pocket every time I have the opportunity to buy that new TV while I’m in Target picking up a few groceries? The app rewards you for purchasing at select stores (including Target, Macy’s, Best Buy, Old Navy, American Eagle, JCPenney, Sports Authority and Crate & Barrel according to their website). After you have made several purchases and racked up some points, you can cash them in for gift cards.
What are your thoughts on Shopkick? Is this something that you would download?
