Mobile Commerce

Office Depot has launched a new iPhone application with a feature called "Office Depot Anywhere" that allows users to continue shopping on their mobile devices what they started online. The application also features an "In App Checkout," which allows busy users to make purchases on their mobile devices without having to be redirected to another site.

Macy’s will help consumers unlock magical moments in-store this spring when they scan a code or send a text message with Macy’s Backstage Pass. A groundbreaking new initiative for the retailer, Macy’s Backstage Pass customizes QR code and SMS technology to deliver exclusive and engaging video content to users’ mobile phones.

Cross-channel shopping is growing fast at Target. Website traffic from mobile phones increased nearly three-fold in 2010 and now accounts for 8 percent of Target's online page views.

The First Phone is off to a fast start: Home Depot associates performed nearly 1 million mobile point-of-sale transactions using the First Phone devices during the quarter that ended Jan. 30. The 30,000-device rollout to 1,970 Home Depot stores was only completed in October 2010, indicating a quick usage ramp-up.

There's been a lot of hype about mobile so far this year. It seems that everyone's talking about it, but very few are doing it. And sadly, the majority of those who are doing it aren't doing a very good job.

As use of digital signage increases, the price of equipment comes down, consumers become more mobile savvy, and digital and mobile begin to integrate through proximity technology, it becomes increasingly important for retailers to consider these new forms of communication.

Shopkick’s location-based shopping app lets users implicitly check in to the locations of its retail partners in exchange for rewards. The startup’s 750,000 users have paid it in-kind with more than 100 million check-ins in the six months since launch.

To help meet customers' desire for immediacy during the shopping experience, Nordstrom President Blake Nordstrom announced that the retailer will deploy mobile devices for its store employees by this fall.

Beso.com, an online destination for fashionphiles and taste-based shoppers, has announced the launch of its mobile shopping app for the iPhone and iPad platforms. Shoppers can now browse their favorite brands and stores in apparel, shoes, handbags and more while on the go.

Mobile devices accompany consumers everywhere throughout a busy day. Through mobile initiatives, retailers have unique opportunities to engage with consumers as they move through each purchase phase — whether they're in a store, in transit, at work or at home.