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Citi, Best Buy let members browse, redeem rewards via mobile app

Author

Rimma Kats

The ThankYou Rewards app lets members shop and redeem ThankYou points and pick up products at any Best Buy store or have products shipped anywhere in the United States. The app is available for free download in Apple’s App Store and Google’s Android Market.

“It’s about giving our customers what they wanted,” said Ralph Andretta, executive vice president of loyalty and new products at Citi.

Citi ThankYou Rewards provides its customers with more ways to earn points faster and flexibility to choose from more than a million rewards.

Best Buy Co. Inc. http://www.bestbuy.com is a multichannel global retailer and developer of technology products and services.

How it works
After consumers download the app, they are prompted to sign in using their username and password.

Once they are logged in, members can search and browse the rewards catalog, which features a broad selection of Best Buy products.

Additionally, Citi customers can use the app to redeem rewards at their Best Buy store or remotely.

Consumers can scan bar codes on product packaging while in-store, type in the UPC code or search by product name.

“Yesterday was the traditional kick-off,” Mr. Andretta said. “We’ll communicate to our customers through email and further get the word out.

“The company is also looking to expand to other platforms such as BlackBerry.

“This is the beginning, not the end,” Mr. Andretta said. “We’re looking to expand as quickly as we can.”

Mobile launch
As part of the launch, Citi gave away ThankYou Points to Citi ThankYou members who download the app at the Best Buy Union Square store in New York City yesterday.

Recipients who received the points will be able to redeem for Best Buy products immediately or save the points for redemption at a later time.

“We’re starting to see people start to engage with us on mobile,” Mr. Andretta said. “We’re very excited about the new mobile app.

“We’re also very excited to partner with Best Buy,” he said. “They have depth and reach.”

Final Take
Rimma Kats is staff reporter on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York