Grocery And C-Store IT News For VARs — July 18, 2014
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In the news, emphasis remains on new apps to ease customer service and accessibility, as Mapco’s adoption of a proof of work app helps improve performance. Also, Redwood Oil is seeking to differentiate its brand through mobile apps and web marketing, while a Facebook’s role in the grocery aisle is growing.
Redwood Oil Begins Digital And Mobile Marketing
Seeking to differentiate its brand through mobile app and web marketing, CSPNet.com reports that gasoline and convenience store retailer Redwood Oil Co. has launched its new digital and mobile marketing strategy. The company partnered with OpenStore by GasBuddy to introduce a branded mobile app, individual store web pages, mobile coupons, and a social media presence on Facebook and Twitter. The program increases customer loyalty by providing two-way communication between c-store owners and customers through web technologies and custom branded mobile applications.
Proof Of Work App Improves Mapco Performance
Mobile accountability software improves convenience store execution, the Mapco chain says. According to CSPNet.com, Mapco has adopted mobile app that allows field managers to take photos of things like newly set-up promotional end caps, proving for certain the work was executed properly and in a timely manner. Deployed last year, the app allows supervisors to create checklists that involve simple yes or no questions and photo uploads, while managers can log in and review pie charts developed as people in the field fill out the mobile forms, allowing for immediate attention to problems.
Facebook’s Role Grows In The Grocery Aisle
Social media is playing an increasingly important role in the grocery shopping process, according to panelists at FMI Connect in Chicago last month. Supermarket News reported on the panel, which stated that 36 percent of the U.S. population now uses social media to assist in their grocery shopping, and 19 percent rely on Facebook to help them do that.
Grocery and C-Store IT Talking Points
A high volume of traffic caused the mobile 7-Eleven app to crash on Saturday, according to the company, causing them to interrupt its week-long birthday celebration, but customers will still be able to take advantage of deals offered by the convenience store chain, according to Convenience Store News. The promotion promised all customers a free Slurpee on July 11, and from Saturday, July 12 through Saturday, July 19, the 7-Eleven's mobile app was supposed to feature a coupon for a different free item each day. The mobile app has now been fixed and these offers can be redeemed through July 24.
Following on the heels of its recently updated mobile apps for its grocery and GetGo convenience store apps, Giant Eagle has debuted a new pharmacy app that offers customers simplified services and innovative technological advances. The Progressive Grocer reports that the new app, available through iTunes and Google Play, allows customers to refill prescriptions on the go, set refill or medication reminders, and set up alerts when prescriptions are filled.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Grocery and Convenience Store Tech Center.