Shopkick, the mobile LBS app that rewards consumers for simply entering retail stores, has officially launched in the Android Market as of today.
Differing from traditional LBS apps, Shopkick takes a completely different approach. Participating retailers install a small transmitter in their stores and the application itself verifies actual presence by detecting a signal and checking the user in, so-to-speak. Because the detection occurs on the mobile device, privacy is completely under the user’s control. Once a shopkick signal is detected, the app delivers reward points called “kickbucks” to the user just for walking through the door.
These “kickbucks” can then be redeemed across all partner stores for instant gift card rewards or for Facebook Credits to play games online, song downloads, hotel vouchers, or even for donations to 30 different causes and charities. The company has been making serious headway lately, partnering with brands like Best Buy, Macy’s, Target Corporation, American Eagle Outfitters, Simon Property Group malls, Sports Authority, Wet Seal and many more. Originally only available for the iPhone, Shopkick is quickly expanding its presence with its introduction into the Android Market.
“Now that the app has been tested by our retail partners and users, we are going broad quickly. Only 3 months in — almost to the day — since our launch, several partner retailers have already decided to re-up their investment with more stores and malls, and more shopkick rewards,” said shopkick Co-Founder and CEO Cyriac Roeding. “So right in time for peak shopping season, we are also expanding, to Android, letting anyone with the latest Android smartphone turn stores into interactive, rewarding and fun worlds.”
