As retailers look for new ways to compete, differentiate and engage their customers, the new superstars in mobile retail shopping may be location-aware mobile apps that utilize high-density indoor WiFi and Apple’s iBeacon technology. With location-aware mobile apps, shoppers will be able to find exactly what they’re looking for nearby, quickly and easily. Research indicates at least 80 percent of mobile users rely on their phones to shop and 90% of shoppers leave a store if they cannot find what they are looking for. That means, if you’re not on mobile, you’re missing a significant opportunity to engage directly (one-to-one) with your customers. And if your mobile app is not location-aware, you may be missing an even greater opportunity.

Location-Based Applications: The New Opportunity

Location-based apps make life easier for shoppers. These apps recognize the geographical location of a mobile device, and send messages to the device’s owner based on their location and relevant purchasing habits. Users can be offered immediate purchasing ability through the app as well. Customers who walk into a shop and have notifications sent to their phones welcoming them back and alerting them to certain sales is both convenient and effective. This is especially true when the smart app understands what types of products customers typically buy.

iBeacon and Why You Should Care

iBeacon is one of the technologies that location-aware mobile apps utilize in order to geo-target a user (made by Apple, no less). Considered much more advanced, however, than GPS, NFC or cell-tower based alternatives, iBeacon will not lose service just because a person walks indoors, nor will it deplete device batteries. Using a low Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon sensor to monitor and trigger activity, this technology is potentially the most power-efficient and far-reaching technology available for geo-targeted mobile apps. So, what can retailers and retail marketers truly deliver to their customers?

Here are 4 ways location-based mobile apps with iBeacon improve the shopper experience: Attract Customers

Use your app (instead of email) to bring shoppers back to the store. Mobile provides deeper brand engagement, engaging the shopper through the entire customer journey. Mobile allows you to not only send personal and timely marketing messages, but also measure which customers came into your store as a result.

Guide Shoppers

Wayfinding makes it easy for shoppers to find exactly what they’re looking for in a timely manner through easily searchable maps and turn-by-turn directions. Your mobile app can also enable an “endless aisle,” giving visibility into back-of-store inventory information as well as other product options not communicated at the shelf.

Promote Products, Events and Discounts

With a mobile app, retailers can put to work a Digital Sales Associate that helps drive sales for specific products through education and promotions. Using iBeacon technology — to trigger content when a shopper is within close proximity to specific items — shoppers can view educational text and videos, plus access digital coupons for whatever item they are considering.

Delight Customers

Customers love to be surprised and delighted. Integrate with your loyalty program to deliver personalized content and coupons when VIPs walk through your door. Or use mobile to “gamify” their experiences: take shoppers on a treasure hunt of your store, delivering discounts and special offers as they scan certain items. The possibilities are endless.

What’s on the top of your customer experience to-do list? Are you looking to mobile to drive engagement? What’s been holding you back? Have questions? Speak to our experts in creating location-based apps, explore your options, and learn how you can get a turn-key shopper solution in as little as 30 days.