Ovations Group and Thought Faqtory have developed an app - Accolades - that rewards loyal customers with specials, loyalty points and convenient mobile payments in retail environments.
Craig Leppan, Ovations Group associate director, says after a year of beta testing and customer feedback, the app and platform are now live with selected customers.
The app was built to leverage a new generation of smart app technology that connects to Bluetooth smart devices - most notably Estimote Beacons - in order to deliver a new contextual experience to smartphone users, says Leppan. It also presents merchants with an opportunity to better understand their customers and engage them at the right time, he adds.
Estimote Beacons provide micro-location accuracy to smartphone users and allows them to subscribe to relevant offers and specials.
Leppan points out the app offers discounts and rewards to customers who download the app and use it - enhancing the customer's experience for being a loyal patron.
According to Leppan, customers will be able to browse, buy and engage with products and brands using the mobile app. They can also connect with friends on social channels, check-in, endorse and favourite brands. "They will view products, deals and share their product experiences."
He believes the app will benefit customers and merchants by demonstrating the power and convenience of mobile in retail.
From a merchant perspective, Accolades offers new insight into mobile consumer behaviour, says Leppan. Retailers and brands will be able to understand and analyse consumer browsing and buying habits. This will assist them in cross-selling and offer promotions that make sense to a customer, based on their detailed profiles, at the right time and in specific locations, he adds.
"Customers will have a superior shopping experience, where they will receive specials and relevant product information and retailers will get to know their customers and their needs far better."
Currently, the app is providing merchant-branded solutions for the quick service restaurant sector to demonstrate to customers and merchants the power and convenience of mobile technology for ordering, paying and rewards, says Leppan.
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