Mike Osorio

Retail TouchPoints: Taggle Brings Mobile Bids to Brick & Mortar Stores

March 11, 2009

FROM RETAILWIRE:
Taggle is a new concept designed to allow consumers in a brick-and-mortar retail store to bid on items in a no-hassle way via the mobile device. What do you think of the potential for Taggle or other devices promising to bring eBay-like bidding to the brick & mortar level?      [more...]

My initial reaction after reading the articles is that this is a terrible idea. I can't imagine wanting to 'bid' in a store environment. However, I think this technology will appeal to the current teen and twenty-something techno-savvy population which tries every application offered on Facebook and on their iPods.

I would be concerned as a retailer to be an early adopter, but it could be something interesting to pilot in an environment like Best Buy (technology is already assumed in the experience) or Urban Outfitters (concentration of 'cool' young shoppers). Taggle should offer to install the technology with a high-profile retailer in a few doors as a pilot--at no or low cost--and test the waters.

The message: don't be too quick to judge a new technology innovation, but be prudent in how it is tested.