According to a piece in National Mortgage News, the sales of smart phones are expected to surpass sales of standard computers this year. Therefore, retailers are taking advantage and developing smart phone applications to reach their consumers. The ultimate goal is to equip shoppers with product information and purchasing power in the palm of their hand. Without skipping a beat, grocery stores across America are revamping and creating personalized mobile apps for their shopper.
Leading supermarkets across the country are giving shoppers apps that provide tools for shopping and information specific to their local store. Hy-Vee launched their mobile app last month to provide shoppers access to weekly ads, coupons, shopping list functions, recipes and even find items while in the store. Winn-Dixie’s app could replace the hand-written shopping list and helps consumers locate the closest Winn-Dixie store, view advertisements and learn about local sales promotions. Giant Eagle’s app lets shoppers enjoy similar tools for shopping and also check fuel discount balances.
Food companies are adding supermarket functions to their apps as well. With a sponsorship from ConAgra, Phil Lempert, the Supermarket Guru, launched a smart phone app for consumers called “Smarter Shopping with Phil Lempert”. The app includes Lempert’s Tip of the Week to give consumers ideas for shopping and saving money. The app’s Smart Substitutes function offers tips for making food substitutions in recipes for general health, allergies or weight control.
Be sure to check your local grocery retailer’s website to see if they have a smart phone app that may help make shopping easier – or at least more high-tech!