Doug Stephens

Mapping Apps to Go Indoors

August 26, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
Many consumers are using mobile devices and/or GPS devices to track down a particular restaurant or other landmark. Soon, consumers may be able to do pretty much the same inside of their favorite stores. Will product location applications for in-store use become common in the future?      [more...]

I think the simple answer is "Yes." Navigation apps are pretty much a certainty for large retailers in the long-term.

The really compelling element of them though, for retailers, is in better understanding the movement of shoppers through the store. In theory, if a customer is using the app., their movement along the path-to-purchase (where they go, where they stop, how long they spend in an area) can all be measured. With the aggregate information, store designers and merchandisers should be able to make far better decisions and design more engaging environments.