Technology for shopper counting gets more sophisticated
If you’ve read retail stories in The Oklahoman (and I certainly hope you have!), you’ve probably heard of ShopperTrak, a Chicago-based retail technology company that anonymously counts people in stores and malls. ShopperTrak ranks the busiest shopping days each holiday season. On Monday, ShopperTrak announced its new wireless technology, which is capable of collecting data down to the precision of one square meter, measuring both the number of customers using heat mapping and how long shoppers remain in one area. It’s kind of amazing to think stores have access to data this specific and can use it to adjust their merchandise and store’s layout. ShopperTrak is promoting the new technology at the National Retail Federation’s annual convention and expo, going on this week in New York City.
Target to price match online retailers year-round
Target in Moore.
Target announced Tuesday it will price match online competitors such as Amazon year-round, a practice it introduced during the holidays. The new policy allows shoppers to receive a price match on an identical item found at a lower price within a week in Target’s circular or website or on Amazon.com and the websites of Walmart, Best Buy, Toys R Us or in a local competitor’s printed ad. Shoppers can request a price match at the guest services department before buying the item or within a week with their Target receipt and proof of the competitor’s price. Read more about the practice here.
Hobby Lobby Appreciation Day?
Hobby Lobby fans are apparently trying to start a movement on Facebook, with events publicizing “Hobby Lobby Appreciation Day” on Saturday, Jan. 5. Fans say they’ll support the company “for being attacked for their beliefs” on this day by shopping. Of course, I’ve heard the flip side as well from some consumers who say’ll they’ll only support Hobby Lobby’s competitors until they change their stance on providing certain contraceptives to employees. Readers, know anyone participating in this appreciation day? Planning to sit it out? I’d love to hear from you.
