GameStop to deploy iBeacon, social media tools
Grapevine, Texas – The GameStop Technology Institute (GTI) business unit of GameStop has entered into strategic partnerships with iBeacon solution providers Shelfbucks and BestFit Mobile, as well as social media hub provider Dynamic Signal. The partnership with Shelfbucks and BestFit will bring Shelfbucks’ iBeacon platform and BestFit Mobile’s ProxDK solution into to its brick-and-mortar retail locations.
By moving smartphones close to beacons installed on store shelving, GameStop customers will be able to instantly receive real-time, customized offers via the retailer's app. As a result, customers will be able to receive digital content that is specifically tailored to their areas of interest while shopping inside a physical GameStop store.
Under the terms of the agreement with GTI, the Shelfbucks iBeacon Platform will provide the configuration, deployment and ongoing operation/support for the in-store beacons, as well as the platform to integrate with GameStop’s promotions, while BestFit’s Mobile ProxDK solution will enable for seamless consumer engagement based on a user’s proximity to beacons. Moving forward, the collaboration between the three technology providers will also serve as a basis for future retail innovations related to enhancing customer experiences in physical stores.
“Digitization of the physical retail space has always been a top priority of GTI as we look to further GameStop’s evolution as a technology provider,” said Charlie Larkin, senior director, technology innovation at GameStop. “Through our partnership with Shelfbucks and our initial deployment of their iBeacon Platform, there are numerous ways to leverage the emerging technology to deliver a next-generation shopping experience.”
Beginning in September, GTI will formally deploy the iBeacon Platform in approximately 36 locations in its Austin and College Station, Texas test markets. Following the initial test period, GameStop will assess the customer adoption and business value of the promotional capabilities with the potential for the possibility of an additional roll-out in another 60 stores by the end of the year.
In addition, GTI is partnering with Dynamic Signal to deploy Dynamic Signal’s VoiceStream social hub technology. GTI will now rely upon the VoiceStream platform to identify, recruit and engage employee advocates and provide them with the tools to share GameStop-approved content via Web and mobile devices.