Category: Mobile Marketing

Scan and Go finds its way to Sainsbury’s

| October 23, 2012

 Scan and Go to be tested in Sainsbury’s stores in UK

Many consumers have become familiar with QR codes because of how often they are used in marketing. Indeed, QR codes have become one of the favored tools for advertisers looking to engage mobile consumers. The codes can do much more than provide consumers with information on products and services, however, as the UK’s Sainsbury supermarkets are preparing to show. Sainsbury has become the next location for a pilot project for the Scan and Go program, which turns QR codes into virtual checkout stands.

System already quite famous in the US

Scan and Go was tested in the U.S. some time ago at  some Walmart retail stores. The program managed to garner a fair deal of acclaim because of its ability to provide a convenient service to shoppers. Now, Sainsbury’s will be testing the program to see if similar results can be produced amongst tech-savvy consumers in the United Kingdom. Those that will be participating in the testing of the program will need the Scan and Go application, which allows them to scan the QR codes that will be riddled throughout local stores.

Consumers will be able to use QR codes to purchase items

When a customer arrives at a participating Sainsbury’s supermarket, they scan a QR code located near one of the store’s entrances. After “logging in,” shoppers can then scan the QR codes that are affixed to the products they are looking to buy. Even loose items, such as fruit, can have a QR code printed for them through an automated service. These codes provide information on the products and gives shoppers and opportunity to make a purchase from their smart phone when they are finished shopped.Sainsbury's Scan and Go

Program will provide special deals for frequent users

Scan and Go is equipped with a tracking function that monitors the spending habits of shoppers. This information is used to provide these consumers with special discounts concerning the products that they purchase often. Sainsbury’s believes that the Scan and Go system could valuable to consumers that are short on time but must get their shopping done quickly. The company does not currently have plans to replace manned and self-service checkout stands with this system.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice launches augmented reality campaign

| October 22, 2012

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice targets tech-savvy consumers

Augmented reality has established itself as a powerful marketing tool and this aspect of the technology has not been lost to non-profit groups in the United Kingdom. The Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, a group devoted to the care and service of children with shortened life expectancies, has adoption augmented reality to reach out to high-tech consumers. Like most non-profit advocacy groups, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice depends on donations to continue providing service. The organization believes that augmented reality is a viable way to boost fund raising efforts and ensure such campaigns reach tech-savvy individuals.

Organization teams with Rother Print

The Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice has teamed with Rother Print, a printing services company based in the UK. Together, the duo will make use of the Layar augmented reality platform to develop a campaign that hopes to engage a multitude of cAugmented Reality Campaign to raise moneyonsumers. Through this campaign, consumers will be able to access digital content provided by the non-profit group and be able to make donations to  the organization online through their smart phones or similar mobile devices.

Augmented reality beer mats prove successful amongst consumers

Approximately 500 beer mats associated with the campaign are already in circulation in Travellers Rest in Laughton. Patrons can use their smart phones to activate the augmented reality content that is contained within these beer mats, which ranges from videos to text. The beer mats have already proven quite popular amongst patrons, many of whom have donated to the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice using their mobile devices.

Technology may help secure new funding

Augmented reality has proven that it can engage a wide audience of mobile consumers in the past. These consumers have also proven their love of augmented reality by engaging in the various marketing campaigns that have made use of the technology over the years. This marketing potential could translate into serious benefits for non-profits groups looking to engage a growing audience that often goes untapped in the world of advocacy.