Gifts to go-go

Technology continues to transform the lives of Americans, and, with its most recent example involving mobile gift cards, Target is making sure it offers the newest innovations to enable the digital lifestyle. As the first major retailer with the ability to scan mobile barcodes in all of its stores, Target is uniquely positioned to initiate a program that eliminates one of the hassles of gift cards. Instead of paying with the traditional gift card, customers can use an Internet-enabled smart phone capable of displaying a gift card bar code that serves as a method of payment when it is scanned by a cashier.

“The addition of mobile gift cards to our suite of mobile shopping solutions further simplifies the Target experience for our guests,” said Steve Eastman, president of Target.com. “Consistent with our ‘expect more, pay less,’ brand promise, we will continue to surprise and delight our guests with innovative and highly relevant mobile capabilities, enabling access to the Target experience anytime and anywhere.”

In addition to the gift card functionality, Target’s mobile solution allows customers to view online assortments, check product availability and store locations, manage their Target gift registry and lists, browse the weekly ad and receive text and e-mail notifications of product offers.