Meijer Launches Mobile In-Store Product Locator
Regional independent Meijer is piloting a new iPhone App developed to help shoppers locate products in the store, find sale items, and even view the exact location of their car in a Meijer parking lot.
Called, Find-It, the free App -- now available for iPhone, iPod Touch and Android devices -- is the first offered by a grocer to offer a location-based mapping and search platform via a mobile application.
“We think our customers will love the fact they can instantly find any item in the store without requiring assistance,” said Elizabeth Wilson, online/mobile marketing specialist for Meijer. “Saving time for shoppers, and making sure they find what they’re looking for, is what makes this technology so desirable. We’re excited about what the future holds for leveraging technology in our stores to improve our customers’ experiences.”
The application will allow shoppers to key in the exact product they desire, and within seconds, the location of the item will be represented by a pin placed precisely on a map of the interior of the store. In addition, the app provides information on weekly specials and product promotions currently available in the store, with the ability to instantly locate the sale item.
Beyond locating specific items and perusing current sales and promotions, shoppers can view a list of services available in the store and determine their locations, such as the customer service desk, restrooms, and even Sandy, the penny pony.
Another indispensable for many is the “Remember My Parking Spot” function which shows the location of your car in the Meijer parking lot.
“This mobile app is but a first step for us, and as the technology advances and more shoppers embrace its use, we’ll look to add a number of new features that make it as essential as the shopping list for customers,” said Wilson.
Initially, the mobile app will work with four Grand Rapids area stores as a pilot program. These include Meijer at Cascade, the Knapp’s Corner Meijer, the Gaines Township Meijer and the Clyde Park Meijer. Depending on the success of the test program, additional stores may be added in the near future.
Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer operates 196 stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.