Now that we’re a little over eight years from the launch of the first iPhone, retailers have learned that to win over its customers, convenience is key and smartphones are leading the charge. Whether it’s through mobile sites or mobile apps, the smartphone has streamlined the purchase-making decision process by allowing buyers to connect to retailers and their products. Now essential store and product information, inventory availability, as well as a wide selection of smart electronics—ranging from smart locks to smart crock pots—integrate with the consumer’s own smart-devices, making the entire shopping experience convenient, easy, and more profitable for both parties involved.

Today Randi discussed all the many aspects of smart shopping with Kelly McGann, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sears Connected Solutions, and Alexis Rask, Chief Revenue Officer at Shopkick.

Kelly McGann CMO of Sears Connected Solutions 

“Keeping top talent is a challenge for many employers, especially in the tech world.”

“The future is here.”

“The world of home automation allows you to use your smartphone to save money and time.”

“We have a history of both service and trust of over 121 years.”

“Across all categories, the availability of home automation products are both online and in store.”

“We just opened a flagship store which is important in the journey of Sears Connected Solutions. We built a smart-home inside of the Sears.”

“We’ve broken up the products into solution-based needs.”

“Many of these products are starting to use your phone without having to control them from your phone. They know your location.”

“Sears is a Shop Your Way partner, one of the largest rewards program in America.”

“The Shop Your Way app offers surprise points as part of the program that can be used on a variety of products at Sears or at K-Mart.”

“The fitness category is where the largest number of people use smart technology.”

“I encourage everyone to talk to each other if you’ve tried any smart technology so other people understand how it works.”

“I just downloaded Curbside to see where I can pick up products without having to get out of the car.”

Alexis Rask CRO of Shopkick

“In this age, it’s very important that consumers are in control of their privacy.”

“People put pressure on themselves to do the right thing but there’s no definition what the right thing is. What’s right for one woman is different for another.”

“Shopkick was founded with the idea that consumers need a virtual layer in a physical store.”

“About 90% of consumer dollars are spent in brick and mortar stores rather than online.”

“We should help you save money, we should help you save time, and we should reward you for that.”

“There’s 15 million people who use the app in America and now we just opened up to Germany.”

“People can check out what’s going on near them or what’s going on at the Walgreens when they pick up back-to-school items.”

“It’s really nice to download a shopping app from you favorite retailer but you probably only shop at your favorite store only a few times a year.”

“Whether you’re going to a big box store, department store or a grocery store, having all the stores and all the shopping-use cases in one place tends to make lives easier.”

“You don’t want 100 shopping apps on your phone, you just want one.”

“We try to make shopping fun instead of making it like a chore. You’re already spending your time, money, and energy—let’s give you some kicks as a reward for that.”

“With Shopkick we want to reward you for being a shopper who shops frequently.”

“If we can give you a reason to go to a store 4 times, we owe something to you for your loyalty.”

“We help retail organizations think about the lifetime value for their shoppers.”

“Using technology to understand what consumers are interested in and give recommendations on how to use those things is a great way to build loyalty.”

“Real estate on the phone is hard to come by. Having “share of mind” with mobile apps help spread the word of good shopping apps.”

“If we helped you shop smarter, tell your friends.”

“Build a cool product and have your loyal customers spread the word.”

“I have a new can’t-live-without app because I have a new baby, so Instacart is my newest, most-used app of mine. My groceries get delivered to my door.”

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Make sure to join ‘Dot Complicated with Randi Zuckerberg’ next week for a Back-to-School Special with author of Endgadget’s ‘Dear Veronica’ column, Veronica Belmont, and Brett Kopf, the CEO and co-founder of Remind, a secure messaging app that connects teachers, students and parents.

Only on Sirius XM Business Channel 111 Wednesdays at 9am PT/12ET!

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