Duane Reade’s app update uses iBeacon bluetooth technology
New York -- Duane Reade, a division of Walgreens, has released the first update to its app for iPhone including the integration of iBeacon for 10-select Duane Reade locations active as of May 1.
The addition of iBeacon to the Duane Reade app vastly improves the customer in-store user experience, according to the drug store operator. iBeacon is a technology Apple introduced with iOS 7 that uses Bluetooth Low Energy and geo-fencing to provide apps a new level of micro-location awareness, such as trail markers in a park, exhibits in a museum or product displays in stores.
The inclusion of this technology to the Duane Reade app adds features such as lock screen notifications when initially approaching a select Duane Reade store location, coupon offers based on historical data and product reviews for timely content at the point-of-decision. iBeacon is being piloted at the 10 Duane Reade stores in Manhattan to test the viability of a further rollout.
"The Duane Reade app plays an integral role in our omni-channel customer engagement strategy," said Calvin Peters, PR/digital communications manager for Walgreens. "Mobile interaction is at the core of our social media success as mobile and social are intrinsically linked; the addition of these new 2.0 features, as well as the integration of iBeacon technology, will continue to fuel our digital customer experience strategy, as we strive to push forward our New York Living Made Easy mantra. “
The 2.0 update is the first in a series of major app announcements planned for Duane Reade in 2014. The first wave of releases brings the app up-to-par with the features of the Walgreens award-winning iPhone app. Through the app's in-store mode, customers will have quick access to their individual Balance Rewards loyalty program barcode, paperless coupons scorecard indicating the specific number clipped and the savings associated with each, a floor map displaying a bird's eye view of the store location, product locator for item search and location plotting of the item via the in-store map.
Other features include scanner options allow for instant product scans revealing detailed item information, mobile coupon clipping for immediate redemption at POS facilitating a seamless value-added experience via Balance Rewards, and instant Instagram 4X4 prints directly to a Duane Reade location.