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.
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.
Google Wallet growing as security issues get resolved
Google is quickly establishing itself as a leader in mobile commerce. Last year, the famed technology company launched the Google Wallet, a mobile payment platform that allows consumers to make purchases using an NFC-enabled smart phone. The platform had a turbulent launch, receiving criticism for its lackluster security features and accessibility, but Google has worked to resolve these issues quickly. Now, the company claims that mobile payments being made with Google Wallet are on the rise and are growing faster than had been accepted.
Mobile payments double in six week period
According to Google, mobile transactions made with Google Wallet have doubled in the six weeks that have passed since the launch of a new cloud-based version of the platform that was introduced on August 1. This version of Google Wallet was designed to address the various security concerns that consumers had with the original platform. Because the platform is now connected to a cloud computing network, the financial information that is used to be stored on a smart phone itself is now stored in a secure digital network. Thus, this information cannot be as easily stolen or exploited.
Slow and steady may win the race
Despite the rapid growth Google Wallet has experienced over the past month or so, Google notes that mobile payments are not going to be an overnight success. The company is gearing up for the long haul, especially as more competitors emerge in the growing mobile commerce field. Google notes that there is still a great deal of work left to do in getting consumers comfortable with NFC technology. Osama Bedier, vice president of Google Wallet and the company’s mobile payments, claims that this is a three-to-five-year effort and that consumers still have a lot of concerns regarding NFC technology and its safety.
Google to clash with Isis
Google’s largest competitor to date, Isis, is expected to launch in a matter of days. The Isis platform boasts of some impressive security features and has managed to garner the backing of most of the world’s major financial institutions. Google Wallet is still struggling to find this support, but has proven rampantly popular with consumers. Isis has proven favorable with businesses, but has yet to enthrall consumers.
