Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #14

From an earlier post, I described how I truly love how technology truly allows retailers to maximize customer service and drive sales. When I first started in retail, I remember how excited we were to get an corporate-wide email/intranet system. In fact, for about a month or so I went from store to store in our district, and beyond, to help train the store staff on how to use the intranet system.

What a different a few years (okay, about 17 or so!) makes! Technology leads us to the next couple of retai insider tips!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #14:

Sign up for retailers' text/cell phone updates.

I have received text messages from a handful of retailers that have alerted me to products (finally) instock (a hot Wii game!) to a "text only" coupon to save 25% over a two day window. Not bad. I did get the Wii game, did not use the coupon (it was instore only, I have no desire to deal with the mall right now!!!). Remember, text messaging charges may apply, so know your carrier's text message charges and policies.

I am also sure that many of you have heard of other functions and applications, such as the Amazon application for iPhone users called "Amazon Remembers". This is pretty cool. You can take a picture of an item, upload it to Amazon and within minutes (althought anecdotally I have been told that it can take a day or even two, but that has not been my experience) you can have an Amazon match of that same item with what is typically a better price! I love to price shop, as you can see in previous shopping tips, so if you have an iPhone, this is a very slick way of trying to get the best price possible (especially when Amazon ships that item for free!).

One cautionary note: I also have been told that there are some retailers that will ask you to not take pictures in their store. I can tell you from my past retail experience that indeed we did ask customers to not take pictures in our store. Mostly to protect people, however, not our sales! So click with caution!

p.s. Here is a killer site for finding amazing prices on highend designer items for holiday gift giving (and free shipping!!!):

Retailers using text, Twitter and more technology to get your sales!

Shoppers of the world, get your cellphones and laptops ready!

This season, more and more retailers are getting tech savvy and reaching out to their customers, and potential customers using social media and cellphones. This is going to be a challenging retail season, and retailers will be battling it out for your shrinking discretionary income.


Retailers are using Twitter to communicate special sales and exclusive offers. Twitter allows users to send short messages to a tech-savvy audience. For anyone who is on Twitter knows, it becomes quite addictive, and retailers will be keen to tap into that addiction with frequent updates on sales, special events, and custom offers for their Twitter followers! Even I Twitter, follow me at http://twitter.com/KellyAlvarez!


Retailers also use other social media sites to attract shoppers and keep them updated. Target has a Facebook page, featuring exclusive Target offers and access to special games and music. As of this blog post, they are offering a free ringtone of Christina Aguilera's new song, "Keep Gettin' Better". All you need to do is text "FREE" Target at 827438.


Speaking of text messaging, retailers are also using text messages to contact customers about sale events, special instore events and customized offers. I get text updates from a handful of retailers, and I also get coupons texted to me for savings at my favorite grocery store. I receive Amazon.com text messages that update me on their "daily deals".

JC Penney's is offering text messages that inform their customers about holiday shopping tips. No doubt those are JC Penney specific shopping tips! Even cooler...you can now text an order to Sears and they will text you back when it is ready for pickup, and from which store you can pick up your items. Consumer beware: know your texting plans and rates for your cell carrier. However, this can be a great way to hone in on savings if you are willing (and able!) to act quickly on that text message! Not to mention saving yourself a trip to the mall to buy that one item you know you want and need!