Shoppers see beam of hope for mobile loyalty

A number of major retail chains are leveraging a mobile app that allows scanners to read barcodes on smartphones.



Shoppers at retailers including CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Nectar, Rite Aid, Toys “R” Us, Best Buy, PetSmart, Staples, Safeway, and Giant Eagle are using the Mobeam 4.0 Beep’nGo app for Samsung Android mobile devices. The app, which can integrate with existing payment apps, allows customers to use barcode-based loyalty cards, gift cards and coupons on their smartphone at checkout scanners.



Mobeam’s light-based beaming technology enables POS laser scanners to read barcodes on Android mobile devices. Scanner interaction makes it easier for payment apps to carry barcode-based cards, tickets, vouchers and coupons.



Design improvements in the latest 4.0 iteration include location-based card reminders for faster checkout and an enhanced “Add Card” setup process, as well as separate destinations for cards and offers under the new menu drawer. Other new features include personalized offers, an upgraded search and navigation system, and offer discovery enhancements.