Shopkick – A model for stronger substantiation of location

The tech community and those interested in mobile are discussing the shopkick press making the rounds in the news cycle today.

One of the most interesting aspects of Shopkick’s value proposition is the mechanism through which a users location is validated. This mechanism also allows for greater granularity for location detection once inside the store.

The steps are:

1. A physical device installed in the doorway of the store emits inaudible noise.
2. The noise is receive by the consumers iPhone running the shopkick application.
3. The consumer is then checked-in and can receive points, discounts etc. from that store
4. These offers can also be targeted to specific areas within the store (via additional radio devices)

The model implies a number of things:

1. The current systems of using GPS and manual check in, are, in certain cases, not effective enough
2. Brick and mortar retailers are willing to make the investment in the hardware and logistics of installation of the radio devices to negate point 1

Stores that are partnering with Shopkick include BestBuy and Macy’s.

For more visit:

Shop Kick site

Techcrunch Article (with demo video)