Target launches image recognition app for mobile shopping

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is launching a new image-recognition mobile app, called In a Snap, aimed at back-to-college shoppers. The free iPhone app, which enables students and families to quickly scan, select and purchase items with just a few clicks, is featured in ads for Target’s college-oriented Room Essentials brand in issues of Real Simple, Architectural Digest, Domino and more.



The app also works with Target’s back-to-college catalog and store signage in the new Target Express store opening later this week in Minneapolis. It was conceived by Target’s marketing team and built in concert with Target’s Rapid Accelerated Development (RAD) technology team. Depending on guest feedback and results from initial tests, Target said it will consider using In a Snap with more ad campaigns in the future.



Target also introduced an online College Registry earlier this summer. The digital tool enables students to share their list with family and friends and will be available on the iPhone and Android Target applications later in 2014. Customers can also use the Target Subscriptions service to order from an assortment of more than 3,000 online products and have them delivered on a recurring schedule to a student’s dorm or apartment. Target Subscriptions include more than 3,000 products. The service is free and offers a 5% discount on all purchases and free shipping for subscription orders.



In addition, Target is teaming up with four YouTube stars and Veronica Valencia, founder of the “Design Hunter L.A.” blog, on a YouTube video series called the “Best Year Ever.” The series will provide tips and tricks that college students can use while designing their own dorm or off-campus spaces. YouTube stars Todrick Hall, Mikey Bolts, Tiffany Garcia and Ann Le will each host a four-episode series that follows a real college student as they prepare for campus living. Valencia will make over each room and provide design solutions. The series will debut throughout July and August on each YouTube star’s page and on Target’s YouTube channel.