Tag: Geolocation

A recent survey revealed these mobile commerce features are sought after by consumers.

Zebra Technologies held a global survey revealing location based services are sought-after by consumers. The number of shoppers interested in using geolocation technologies while in-store is rising quickly.

Among the geolocation features most sought by consumers are digital shopping maps and mobile coupons.

Fifty one percent of shoppers are interested in mobile coupons sent through location based services, said the survey. These consumers want discount opportunities provided in-store by way of mobile devices. Another 49 percent said they are interested in receiving email receipts instead of or in addition to paper copies. Moreover, 45 percent said they are interested in digital shopping maps provided in-store on their phones.

The research examined global digital shopping habits including interest in location based services.

Zebra Technologies published their findings in their annual Global Shopper Study. Also reported in the study were additional mobile commerce trends. Among them was that 76 percent of shoppers enjoy the in-store shopping experience. Furthermore, 50 percent of consumers think online and mobile technology solutions improve their experiences. They feel the retail experience is enabled and enhanced with this tech.

Over half – 52 percent – of shoppers say they have showroomed. Showrooming is the practice of looking at an item in store before purchasing it online at a better price. In addition, slightly more than one third – 33 percent – of shoppers said they most enjoy the chance to shop online and pick up their purchases in-store. This indicates that many people want to shop on their devices and obtain their items at the retail store.

Among the leading barriers to mobile commerce and location based services is a lack of trust in security. Large data breaches in the news headlines have made consumers wary of online and mobile shopping. Only 5 percent of consumers say they fully trust retailers. Still, nearly 80 percent said they would share a certain amount of information with retailers, regardless of less-than-perfect trust. Also, 64 percent of consumers value companies that offer features to customize the way personal information is collected, stored and used.

Heineken is rewarding New Zealand consumers for exploring their city.

The Dutch brewing company, famous for its Heineken pale lager beer, is launching its Heineken LIVE app in New Zealand. The innovative app is equipped with cutting-edge iBeacon technology, which combines Bluetooth and GPS tech. It encourages users to go out and explore their city. When they head to participating Heineken venues they can get rewards.

Heineken is giving away $500,000 in prizes over the next six months.

The app primarily functions as a rewards system. Smartphone users who download the app and head to participating Heineken venues will receive two different types of points: Venue Points and Heineken Status Points. The venue points are limited to each venue. The Status Points elevate a user’s status and offers them an array of rewards. These may include big ticket surprise experiences, VIP event tickets, exclusive access to events, food and beverage offers as well as other opportunities.

Over the next six months, the beer giant is giving away $500,000 in prizes. Users of the app can head to any of the more than 120 venues fitted with iBeacon technology for their chance to receive notifications and rewards from Heineken.

The iBeacon technology is a world first for the beer brand.

The company created the Heineken LIVE app in an effort to improve their connection with consumers between the ages of 18 and 30. This demographic is rarely without their mobile phones. According to Heineken New Zealand marketing manager Taylor Green, the technology is the next generation of loyalty programs.

Green also believes that the LIVE app celebrates what makes cities around New Zealand great. “Our cities are melting pots of culture, showcasing world-class food and drink, technology and exciting events” he said. Green added that “Heineken LIVE uses innovative technology to encourage people to discover the best parts of their cities as well as see old favourites in a whole new light, rather than drinking more.”

Green said that he’s proud that Heineken LIVE was developed locally and will launch in New Zealand first. He also believes there is huge potential for the company’s iBeacon technology app to be successful around the globe.