JCPenney Unwraps New Mobile Initiatives for the Holidays
JCPenney has unwrapped a number of new mobile initiatives, investing heavily in new technologies just in time for the holidays so customers can easily make purchases directly from their mobiles.
Here’s the rundown:
The mobile commerce site: has been redesigned specifically for mobile phones at m.jcp.com. Some of the more unique features include a store locator with a “Find Near Me” button that uses a phone’s GPS to provide driving directions to nearby retail locations.
Games on iAd: An iAd gift hunting game sends players on a hunt to find a $10 off $50 coupon as they get a look at an assortment of JCPenney gifts. Players can also text lists of gift items to themselves or friends when Christmas shopping in store or via JCPenney’s mobile commerce site.
Location based check-in: Mobile users who use check-in platforms like Foursquare, Brightkite or Facebook Deals can check in at any JCPenney store this holiday season to receive on their phone a $10 off $50 purchase that can be used immediately. Sports Authority has also upped the bar on its social promotions in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with, among other promotions, a location-based game Foursquare designed to get shoppers to engage with the brand both online and in its stores.
Mobile apps: New features have been added to JCPenney’s free mobile apps where people can browse the latest weekend sales circular; create a “portable” shopping list and sign-up for mobile coupons, among other features. The new features include the option to make purchases directly from the app and also the ability to view their JCP Rewards account, where they can check their points and access their $10 reward coupon. (Read about how Simon Mall’s new app is benefiting both shoppers and retailers).
Mobile coupons: This program launched earlier this year allowing customers to opt-in to receive weekly coupons sent via text to their mobile phones. They then show the code at check out or enter it online. A variety of new holiday offers will be presented.
“As smart phone, text messaging, and mobile web browsing usage continue to grow, mobile is quickly becoming the next frontier in online shopping. We’re focused on continually developing mobile experiences that engage our customers and allow them to easily make purchases directly from their mobile device,” Tom Nealon, group executive vice president of JCPenney, said in a release.
JCPenney, a $17.6 billion retailer, has 1,100 department stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
