PALO ALTO, Calif. (KCBS) _ Shopping may soon change forever thanks to new technology emerging from a Bay Area startup company.
Cyriac Roeding, co-founder of Palo Alto-based Shopkick said they have developed technology that connects certain stores with a person’s smartphone.
Participating businesses will have router-like devices installed inside that are designed to activate a shopper’s app when the two are in close proximity to each other.
“This is the first one that lets you earn rewards and offers simply for walking into a store,” said Roeding.
The rewards, called kickbucks, would pop up on your smartphone screen.
“You can turn them into a reward that you choose. For example, you can get a free song download,” he said. “Or you can donate to charities or turn it into a virtual instant gift card.”
Roeding said there will be many ways to reap these benefits.
“At Best Buy for example, it’s so convenient that all you have to do is go to the cashier at the register and tell them your cell phone number and the discount will appear on your receipt if you’ve brought the product,” he said.
So far, Best Buy and Macy’s stores in the Bay Area are on board with more expected to follow in the weeks and months ahead.
