Tretakoff Musings
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Infinite Wallet Space for Loyalty Cards
Disclaimer: I am in the business of helping loyalty programs thrive.
With all of the loyalty programs out there, it seems bizarre that so many companies still use physical cards. There's good reason, of course: the barcode on the card is read by the point of sale system (POS). But the average American's wallet only has 6-8 slots, total: after license, credit cards, ATM cards, and the other essentials, there is rarely room for another.
If you have an iPhone, you might be in luck. A new free application, called WalletZero, allows you to simply enter in the number on your loyalty card. If it's a card that features a barcode, it generates it on the large iPhone screen, allowing it to be scanned right off the screen at POS. The app knows many of the most common programs, and even allows you to enter ones for those that are not necessarily barcoded.
Lots good about this app, but definitely some improvements could help. First, it relies on the developer to add more programs; I'd like to see a more freeform input approach. Second, it doesn't personalize with the logo or colors of the program. Finally, there are various misspellings, but those are minor.
Overall, a nice way to apply technology to a common problem. A great first effort, and I'd love to see it thrive!
Disclaimer: I am in the business of helping loyalty programs thrive.With all of the loyalty programs out there, it seems bizarre that so many companies still use physical cards. There's good reason, of course: the barcode on the card is read by the point of sale system (POS). But the average American's wallet only has 6-8 slots, total: after license, credit cards, ATM cards, and the other essentials, there is rarely room for another.
If you have an iPhone, you might be in luck. A new free application, called WalletZero, allows you to simply enter in the number on your loyalty card. If it's a card that features a barcode, it generates it on the large iPhone screen, allowing it to be scanned right off the screen at POS. The app knows many of the most common programs, and even allows you to enter ones for those that are not necessarily barcoded.
Lots good about this app, but definitely some improvements could help. First, it relies on the developer to add more programs; I'd like to see a more freeform input approach. Second, it doesn't personalize with the logo or colors of the program. Finally, there are various misspellings, but those are minor.
Overall, a nice way to apply technology to a common problem. A great first effort, and I'd love to see it thrive!
Labels: iPhone, Loyalty Lab, retail, Software
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
L.L. Bean kicking to the curb?
Very sad news today that the venerable L.L. Bean cataloger and direct marketer is facing the troubled times with something of a scary approach: layoffs. This is a company that, to my knowledge, has never endured the contractions that so many retail chains have, and they've preserved that classic Yankee/Maine feeling of "toughing it out together."
I hope they find a third way, as I'd love to see them be a model for so many other companies in this, like they have in so many other ways.
Very sad news today that the venerable L.L. Bean cataloger and direct marketer is facing the troubled times with something of a scary approach: layoffs. This is a company that, to my knowledge, has never endured the contractions that so many retail chains have, and they've preserved that classic Yankee/Maine feeling of "toughing it out together."I hope they find a third way, as I'd love to see them be a model for so many other companies in this, like they have in so many other ways.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Twin Titans of CE Have Fallen
Alas, the world of Consumer Electronics suffered yet more bad news this week. First, Circuit City surrendered to the inevitable in the first of what is sure to be a long series of death throes by closing 155 stores. This was long overdue, and is a direct response to the increasing dominance of Best Buy and Amazon. I'm amazed it took so long; I actually think they would be best served by closing these monster stores and go for the old Circuit City Express formats in suburban malls. As it is, the real estate costs will kill them in no time.
The second is more sinister, and sad: Tweeter Etc. was purchased by a liquidator. Why this is sinister: they told all the company employees last week that they were shutting the distribution center, and arranging to have all shipments sent directly to the stores, saving them $12 million. This was received with, to say it nicely, some skepticism. Sure enough, they made a backroom deal to liquidate the stores, and got out of town before the pitchforks could come out, or the torches lit. Sleazy.
Why this is sad: Tweeter was based in Canton, MA. I bought my first real stereo from them, a sexy, sleek 1980's black Mitsubishi all in one. It also started my lifelong love of the deal: the stereo sold for months as $1,099, but I was able to get a floor model for under $300. I had that stereo for over 20 years, and it never failed to impress me. It was so far ahead of its time, it made Bang & Olufsen look like dinosaurs. At the time, growing up in MA, you had only places like Service Merchandise or Lechmere to satisfy your CE jonesing; when Tweeter emerged, it was like the rules of CE retail completely changed: instead of harsh lights and horrible salespeople, you had a studio-like atmosphere, with relaxed enthusiasts to guide you through the hi-fi decision. Such a sad way for it all to end.
Looks like a sad CE Xmas ahead, but a good one for deal-finders and Best Buy stockholders.
Alas, the world of Consumer Electronics suffered yet more bad news this week. First, Circuit City surrendered to the inevitable in the first of what is sure to be a long series of death throes by closing 155 stores. This was long overdue, and is a direct response to the increasing dominance of Best Buy and Amazon. I'm amazed it took so long; I actually think they would be best served by closing these monster stores and go for the old Circuit City Express formats in suburban malls. As it is, the real estate costs will kill them in no time.The second is more sinister, and sad: Tweeter Etc. was purchased by a liquidator. Why this is sinister: they told all the company employees last week that they were shutting the distribution center, and arranging to have all shipments sent directly to the stores, saving them $12 million. This was received with, to say it nicely, some skepticism. Sure enough, they made a backroom deal to liquidate the stores, and got out of town before the pitchforks could come out, or the torches lit. Sleazy.
Why this is sad: Tweeter was based in Canton, MA. I bought my first real stereo from them, a sexy, sleek 1980's black Mitsubishi all in one. It also started my lifelong love of the deal: the stereo sold for months as $1,099, but I was able to get a floor model for under $300. I had that stereo for over 20 years, and it never failed to impress me. It was so far ahead of its time, it made Bang & Olufsen look like dinosaurs. At the time, growing up in MA, you had only places like Service Merchandise or Lechmere to satisfy your CE jonesing; when Tweeter emerged, it was like the rules of CE retail completely changed: instead of harsh lights and horrible salespeople, you had a studio-like atmosphere, with relaxed enthusiasts to guide you through the hi-fi decision. Such a sad way for it all to end.
Looks like a sad CE Xmas ahead, but a good one for deal-finders and Best Buy stockholders.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Understanding The Customer
ChainLove, a "Woot for bicyclists," had a deal I could not pass up today. I got in on it, pressed the buy button, and I was good. Got an order confirmation in moments. Less than 1 hour later, got the e-mail you see on the right. Their opening line is perfect, and reflected exactly my feeling.
Nicely done, gentlemen. Holy crap indeed.
ChainLove, a "Woot for bicyclists," had a deal I could not pass up today. I got in on it, pressed the buy button, and I was good. Got an order confirmation in moments. Less than 1 hour later, got the e-mail you see on the right. Their opening line is perfect, and reflected exactly my feeling. Nicely done, gentlemen. Holy crap indeed.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Nation's #1 Retailer is The #1 Network
Walmart didn't get to be the nation's #1 retailer by accident: besides being brutal negotiators with suppliers and a carpet bomb approach to opening new stores, they also have always looked to embrace new technology. With the launch of their "Smart Network," they have take the game up a notch: multimedia displays in aisles carry custom Walmart programming via the Internet, allowing them to change media content on the fly. Why, you ask? Simple: the more relevant content, the more you buy.
Here's an example: it's football season, and they want to promote Frito-Lay products. Walk down the snack aisle, and see the current scores from the games and headlines from the football news. Or, as Retail Wire points out:
Don't confuse this with the new TV channels at the checkouts they feature; those are like comparing a pocket calculator to an iPhone. No, this is a serious tech assault. Want to be a little scared? Walmart was one of the largest companies to insist on RFID tags in all merchandise; these tags broadcast small coded radio signals to allow them to be scanned for inventory and checkout purposes. Now, imagine the Smart Network has an RFID reader and can scan what you have in your cart; it can actually change the programming of the screen nearest to you to reflect complimentary products or promote products from the same manufacturer in that aisle. Talk about personalized shopping!
Walmart didn't get to be the nation's #1 retailer by accident: besides being brutal negotiators with suppliers and a carpet bomb approach to opening new stores, they also have always looked to embrace new technology. With the launch of their "Smart Network," they have take the game up a notch: multimedia displays in aisles carry custom Walmart programming via the Internet, allowing them to change media content on the fly. Why, you ask? Simple: the more relevant content, the more you buy.Here's an example: it's football season, and they want to promote Frito-Lay products. Walk down the snack aisle, and see the current scores from the games and headlines from the football news. Or, as Retail Wire points out:
For instance, the network can show promotions based on weather conditions. Soup may be promoted if it's raining outside the store, said Clint McClain, Walmart's senior director of emerging media. Ads may promote barbeque items if it's going to be eighty degrees on Saturday. Promotions might also be arranged around local events, such as a nearby college football game. The network also offers different items depending on the time of the day. For example, promoting frozen pizza at 5:00 p.m. has already proven to be a big winner with moms looking for an easy dinner for their kids. At 10:00 a.m., the ads showed no lift.
Mr. McClain likened this greater promotional flexibility to how "umbrella stores suddenly pop up" when it rains in New York City.
Don't confuse this with the new TV channels at the checkouts they feature; those are like comparing a pocket calculator to an iPhone. No, this is a serious tech assault. Want to be a little scared? Walmart was one of the largest companies to insist on RFID tags in all merchandise; these tags broadcast small coded radio signals to allow them to be scanned for inventory and checkout purposes. Now, imagine the Smart Network has an RFID reader and can scan what you have in your cart; it can actually change the programming of the screen nearest to you to reflect complimentary products or promote products from the same manufacturer in that aisle. Talk about personalized shopping!
