Tag: geolocation apps

Geolocation based apps are being launched and tested by big retailers

| May 19, 2014

A new report has shown that many of the giants in the retail business are looking to location-based applications.

PointInside has now released a report based on their 2013 data that has revealed that apps that use geolocation technology are considerably increasing the engagement that customers have in the interactions with retail stores while the shop, and those retailers have not failed to take notice of the potential that this has to offer.

This year, PointInside has identified a trend that shows that retailers are looking to location based marketing.

Retailers are testing upgrades to their apps that would include geolocation based technology. This allows them to offer in-store modes, location based features, detailed information, interactive store maps, and even the location of products that can be found in the store. The maps can also be customized for the individual user based on shopping lists that he or she has made.

It is clear that geolocation is popping up in the apps of a range of the top retailers.

One prime example of location based marketing worked into an app is from the Lord & Taylor department store chain. They are utilizing third party app developer resources in order to be able to ensure that they boost customer engagement. This, according to Ryan Craver, the senior vice president of corporate strategy.Geolocation - apps

He explained that “we do need to have a big presence in mobile because everyone has a mobile phone and is doing research.” That company entered into a partnership with SnipSnap in order to be able to expand their presence. They are doing so by offering attractive store coupons that can be redeemed by smartphone users. There are already more than 3 million customers using SnipSnap, according to the data shared by Ted Mann, the chief executive officer of that company.

Another example of a major retailer taking advantage of location based marketing with geolocation technology is Duane Reade, the drug store chain owned by Walgreens. They have recently started the use of apps that have iBeacon integration. This app allows coupons to be shared, as well, and for products to be suggested based on the customer’s specific location inside the store and based on his or her shopping history with that retailer.

Mobile apps from Taco Bell include location based marketing features

| February 21, 2014

The application uses the GPS built into the device to ensure that food is served fast and hot.

Taco Bell is about to join the latest mobile apps that will be bringing enhancements to ordering functionalities over smartphones and tablets, as they expand the testing of location based marketing and services using GPS technology.

Californian consumers will likely be the first ones who will be able to take advantage of the new app.

Though using location based technology in mobile apps may seem as though it is a little bit risky, as it closes the window for error quite a bit, this does not seem to be the actual experience at the Taco Bell test restaurants, so far. It could seem that people would try to make their food orders on their way to the restaurant and that this would increase the likelihood of long wait times, but so far, those who have tested it are often reporting that their maximum wait times are around two minutes.

Taco Bell is using the design of its mobile apps to better suit the needs of its primary demographic.Mobile Apps - Taco Bell

The consumers who eat at their quick service restaurants the most are, according to Taco Bell, young Millenials. As those are the people who are the most likely to have smartphones and to use them for a greater number of daily activities, it only seems to make sense that restaurants tap into that with location based marketing and services that can help to increase their sales.

Their latest report indicated that among smartphone owners, two out of every five will use their mobile devices for finding a place to eat. Providing these diners with a way to not only find the restaurant locations very easily using GPS technology, but also offering a way to actually order the food while on the go so that it will be ready upon arrival.

Though Taco Bell is not the first company to implement mobile ordering, its mobile apps appear to be the first ones that will be full featured and that provide the ability to order anything from the menu – including customizations of those menu items – while allowing the customer to tell the restaurant when he or she will be arriving at the location to pick it up.