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On-the-Go with Target’s Mobile Gift Cards (Promo Magazine)
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Posted: 03/18/2010
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Now, with its mobile gift card option, Target, the second-largest U.S. discount chain, makes paying with plastic old school. The retailer is letting customers use mobile phones to redeem gift cards as more consumers use phones with Internet access. Shoppers simply save the account numbers for their Target GiftCards to a PIN-protected area at either online or at the retailer's mobile-optimized site. Customers access the mobile site on their phones, enter the login and PIN for the card and complete the purchase when the cashier scans the unique 2D barcode on the display screen into Target’s P-O-S system, which has been outfitted across all 1740 Target stores nation wide. Customers can also access the mobile site to view merchandise, check product availability, manage gift registries and find locations, among other things. Other retailers like Starbucks and 7-Eleven are testing similar barcode technology to incorporate into their mobile business strategies.
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Industry:
Retail & Products
Topic:
E-Commerce,
Experience & Interaction,
Technology Implementation
Region:
North America
Audience:
Business to Consumer
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iPhone App Enables Paying with Plastic (CNN Money)
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Posted: 03/18/2010
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Operating businesses remotely just got even better. While credit card transactions were standardized in traditional business settings long ago, paying with plastic was only a pipe dream for those conducting business on the road. Now, a host of software is on the market allowing mobile businesses to process credit card payments on their cell phones. From Apple's iPhone applications to Inner Fence, which developed the first iPhone app for processing credit cards, there are a slew of applications out there that allow proprietors to issue refunds, review sales, and email electronic receipts for transactions.
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Industry:
Retail & Products,
Technology, Consulting, & Professional Services,
Telecommunications
Topic:
E-Commerce,
Technology Implementation
Region:
Global
Audience:
Business to Business,
Business to Consumer
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Nexus One Propels Google Into Online Retail (BusinessWeek)
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Posted: 03/04/2010
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Google Inc. has entered the world of online retailing with its sales of the Nexus One, an HTC Corp. manufactured and Android mobile system operated phone. Google will also sell additional Android operated devices, like Motorola Inc. phones, with aims to promote further adoption of the Android operating system. With support from Google’s online store, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless will also carry the Nexus One. "We hope that by partnering with us in offering the Nexus One and future phones from Google, operators will be able to drive even more customers to their network and will be able of [sic] offer their customers another innovative Android device," said Katie Watson, Google spokeswoman.
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Industry:
Retail & Products,
Telecommunications
Topic:
Content Strategy,
E-Commerce
Region:
Global
Audience:
Business to Consumer
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Intel Amps Up, Launching New AppUp Center (Dr. Dobbs)
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Posted: 02/18/2010
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Intel is joining the software application (app) trend with the release of its beta version app, the Intel AppUp center. Meant for netbook computer use, these apps can be purchased or downloaded for free. Apps run the gamut from topics like education, entertainment and health to social networking, games and more. According to Renee James, corporate vice president and general manager of Intel Software and Services Group, "The Intel AppUp SM center offers netbook users quick and easy access to applications specifically tailored to their mobile lifestyle.” Windows and Moblin, the first operating systems to target Intel Atom processor-powered netbook computers, will receive the first applications. Intel’s partners Acer, Asus, Dell and Samsung are also planning app startups. Intel and its partners expect the eventual expansion of stores to include applications for handheld consumer electronic (CE) devices, smartphones, consumer electronics, TVs, and other devices.
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Industry:
Retail & Products,
Telecommunications
Topic:
E-Commerce
Region:
Global
Audience:
Business to Consumer
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Shop Online with Time Inc’s StyleFeeder (Internet Retailer)
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Posted: 02/18/2010
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Time Inc. has announced its acquisition of StyleFeeder.com, a social shopping site. The acquisition is aimed at increasing Time Inc.’s revenue from referring consumers to online retailers, Fran Hauser, who oversees digital strategy for a group of Time Inc. magazines including InStyle and People, tells Internet Retailer. StyleFeeder offers over 14 million products from well-known retailers including Target and Macy’s and provides a customized shopping experience using a shopper’s location, shopping history, and various filters like product price, brand, color, and attributes. Hauser says, “If you look at apparel and accessories, that market is a $26 billion market. We feel that shopping is really an extension to what InStyle does.” While StyleFeeder will improve InStyle’s current shopping engine, Hauser intends to feature StyleFeeder’s use throughout InStyle’s web site, in addition to other Time Inc. magazines.
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Industry:
Marketing, Design, & Interactive Communications,
Retail & Products
Topic:
Business Intelligence,
E-Commerce,
Marketing Communications
Region:
Global
Audience:
Business to Consumer
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