Mobile Marketing

Two malls planning to test new technology designed to track shoppers' movements via cell phone signals have nixed those plans after a U.S. senator raised concerns about privacy, according to The Consumerist.

Walgreens is bringing mobile couponing and exclusive offers to smartphone users starting on Black Friday as it launches a mobile coupon program at more than 7,700 stores across the country. The scannable coupons, which range in value from 50 cents to $5, are being added to its mobile apps, giving customers money off products including beauty items, gifts, consumables and everyday essentials.

Saks Fifth Avenue announced the availability of its shopping application for the iPad. The free app, available worldwide from the Apple App Store, is an entirely shoppable app. Consumers can create wish lists that can be shared through email, Facebook, and Twitter.

OfficeMax announced a strategic pilot with RadioShack in which OfficeMax will pilot the RadioShack mobile offering beginning in January 2012. As part of this pilot program, RadioShack employees will offer mobile products and services, including prepaid and postpaid wireless products, accessories and service plans, as well as assist in selling OfficeMax consumer electronics products and services.

More consumers are planning to use their mobile device to make a purchase this holiday season than ever before, particularly if offered a discount, coupon, gift card, loyalty points or prompted by a text alert. 

Specialty retailer Old Navy is upping its mobile efforts with an iPhone application designed to increase holiday sales and let consumers know about new products. The Snap Appy app lets consumers scan products in-store to unlock season-themed surprises and rewards while shopping.

J.C. Penney has innovated the traditional holiday gift tag by making it possible for customers to attach personal voice recorded messages to their purchases using QR codes.

Jewelry retailer Zales rolled out a mobile-optimized storefront to better address the needs of its on-the-go customers. The m-commerce site is designed to provide customers with instant access to inventory along with mobile payment capabilities.

IBM’s Coremetrics Benchmark report says that mobile retail traffic will more than double this holiday season. During this year’s November holiday season, an unprecedented 15 percent of people in the U.S. logging onto a retailer’s website are expected to do so through a mobile device, says IBM.

Paul Fredrick announced the launch of a smartphone-optimized website that creates a rich and unique mobile shopping experience for consumers whether at home or on the go.