Bluetooth Beacons and JCPenney through Shopkick

This article over on Mobile Commerce Daily is the best narrative I've yet seen on the use of beacons to drive in-store engagement with consumers (participants).  JCPenney is making news by its upcoming use of beacons tied in with the new 'Cinderella' movie:

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/jcpenney-finds-in-store-mobile-is-right-fit-for-cinderella-promotion

Here is a snippet from that piece:

From March 6 to 19, customers in JCPenney stores with a Disney shop will be able earn rewards and enter sweepstakes by using the shopkick app on their smartphones to scan the bar codes appearing on special glass slipper signs throughout the stores. The mobile in-store activation is part of a bigger promotion around JCPenney’s Cinderella tie-in that also includes social, digital and other mobile elements.

Here is a quick look at a Business Insider report on beacons and how they might impact retail in 2015:

http://www.businessinsider.com/beacons-will-impact-billions-in-retail-sales-2015-2

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Traditional retailers have become much more adept at using technology to push back against online-only e-commerce sites.

Beacons are among the most important new mobile technologies helping real-world merchants win back sales. These low-cost devices communicate with smartphone apps indoors through a Bluetooth signal. Last year saw tons of retailers testing beacons, including Macy's and Target. This year, hundreds of big retail chains are turning those devices on and using them to communicate with mainstream consumers in store.

In an all-new report, BI Intelligence takes an in-depth look at beacons in large retail settings, discussing sales influence, addressable market, and examining the top applications, including offers, coupons, data-collection, as well as loyalty, payments, and digital-marketing programs.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant