Westfield will trial a new technology that will allow shoppers to use their mobile Facebook accounts to 'check in' at Westfield centres and receive discounts on their purchases.
The Facebook Check In Deals trial will officially commence today and is being conducted through partnerships with selected Westfield retailers, including Cotton On and Angus & Coote.
Westfield General Manager of Marketing, John Batistich said the launch would provide retailers with the opportunity to bridge the gap between bricks and mortar stores and the internet.
“Retail, and particularly the way we can target shoppers with special deals and discounts, has changed dramatically over the past decade. With tools such as Facebook Check In Deals we're now able to communicate to our shoppers in relevant and localised ways.”
A recent report released by the PriceWaterhouseCoopers highlighted Australia as one of the slowest countries in the western world to embrace internet technology as part of the retail shopping experience.
Batistich said that the trial, which is an Australian first, represents a significant step forward for Australian retailers lagging behind their tech-savvy overseas competitors.
The new Westfield mobile application is set to enhance promotional marketing, allowing shoppers to share deals online with their Facebook communities.
During the first week of the trial, shoppers will be able to use their Facebook mobile accounts to 'check in' at their local Westfield store and receive discounts off all full-priced jewellery at Angus & Coote.