Shopkick, a Silicon Valley-funded startup has launched it’s free iPhone app that combines the best of both worlds – location-based services and shopping. The app uses GPS to detect users nearby a given store and automatically sends a signal to a device in the store itself to let it know when the user is close. Users [...]
Shopkick, a Silicon Valley-funded startup has launched it’s free iPhone app that combines the best of both worlds – location-based services and shopping. The app uses GPS to detect users nearby a given store and automatically sends a signal to a device in the store itself to let it know when the user is close. Users earn rewards (called “kickbucks”) by visiting the stores and by browsing products using the app’s built-in barcode scanner. Since it detects customers walking into stores, Shopkick uses an innovative technique to ensure there are no fake check-ins.
The launch partners for Shopkick app include American Eagle Outfitters, Best Buy, Macy’s, Simon Property Group and The Sports Authority. The best part is that Shopkick rewards are store-independent.
Shopkick is a win-win situation for stores as well as the customers. While stores get more foot traffic and potentially increased sales, customers get exciting discounts and rewards.
I personally like the Kickbucks feature which provides the flexibility to redeem for Facebook credits to play games online, song downloads, in-store gift cards, and other standard online rewards club stuff like magazine subscriptions or donations to charities. I can’t think of any other advanced personalized rewards system similar to Shopkick – at least on the iPhone. The app has built-in intelligence to figure out your shopping preferences based on past shopping behavior, interests, location, and scans.
Shopkick app is a very interesting concept and is bound to stir up the competition in the keenly-contested location-based market with Foursquare and Gowalla ruling the charts. While Foursquare is increasingly being used to publicize discount deals, it isn’t effective in dealing with fake check-ins due to the lack of dedicated hardware at the store.
I’m certain that the launch of Shopkick is bound to set the alarm bells ringing at Foursquare and Gowalla, who are yet to cash in on the integration of location-based services with merchant deals. Here’s an interesting video of the Shopkick app in action.
IMO, Shopkick [iTunes link] is undoubtedly one of the most innovative M-Commerce applications of recent times. If Shopkick and its partners can work on an appealing rewards structure, we’re all set to experience the new revolution of location-based shopping extravaganzas!
Eliza Dushku
Adriana Lima
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