Ace Hardware uses voice-recognition product-location service

St. Louis A new, first-to-market service designed to help shoppers find products on store shelves faster and easier is making its debut at Ace Hardware in Des Peres, Mo.

The service, called Aisle411, is a voice-recognition product-location service, reached through any mobile phone, free, by calling 1-877-AISLE411 toll free. Shoppers who call will state their location and the store, ask for the item, then receive the location of the product over the phone and by text within seconds. There is no software to download and the service is free, although standard phone charges from mobile service providers may apply.

“Ace is dedicated to serving our customers as best we can. We feel that Aisle411 offers the next level in customer service, and we’re happy to be the first retailer in the world to offer the service to our customers,” said Rick Baalmann, president of Ace St. Louis.

In addition, Aisle411 will offer coupons and other money-saving offers via text message that can be used immediately in the store where they are shopping. According to Aisle411 research, nearly 84% of shoppers have some difficulty finding products on store shelves -- especially at hardware, sporting goods and big-box stores.

“More than 22% of shoppers give up while looking for hard-to-find items in a store, walking away with another product, or with nothing and potentially buying at another store. Another 56.6% ask an associate for help, creating a huge demand on staff time and attention,” said Nathan Pettyjohn, Aisle411’s chairman & CEO. “We’re using the latest in voice-recognition technology to help these shoppers find what they need quickly and easily, just by dialing their mobile phones and asking for an item.”