Retailers Bank on Mobile Shopping

Last week, Target became the first national retailer to offer a scannable mobile coupon program when it launched Target Mobile, allowing anyone with a web-enabled mobile phone to receive exclusive offers and coupons directly on their mobile phones.  Benefits include:

• Ability to check out with a mobile phone using Target gift card information – no cash needed
• Locating and updating gift registries
• Coupons sent directly to your mobile phone via text message and redeemed by scanning barcode at checkout
• Items can be located on specific aisles in each store, regardless of which store you’re in

Target’s move is part of a wider trend: Retailers are hoping mobile technology will encourage shoppers to go into physical stores, rather than buying so much online. Mobile coupons are just the tip of the iceberg.

We know how much women love shopping online for the convenience and time savings, so what do you think – is this Target’s wishful thinking, or the wave of the future for brands marketing to women?