Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. has launched a smartphone application that lets customers view the weekly circular and sales for the grocery chain’s location nearest to them.

Users can create and manage shopping lists that both sync with computers and can be shared with others. The application for Apple’s iPhone and Android smartphones is available as a free download.

“As part of Winn-Dixie’s digital marketing solution, we sought out a vendor partner who would provide the best customer experience for interactive ad circulars, integrated shopping lists and recipes, and a host of other product offerings,” said Mary Kellmanson, group vice president of marketing at Winn-Dixie, Jacksonville, FL.

“We see this as an opportunity to deliver a better solution for our customers by saving them time and helping them quickly locate savings throughout the store,” she said.

MyWebGrocer created the application for Winn-Dixie.

Smartphone uptake
Ecommerce experts expect use of shopping applications like the one being introduced by Winn-Dixie to mushroom as more Americans purchase smartphones

A whopping 30 percent of United States mobile phone users already own a smartphone, the highest recorded figure to date.

A recent study by Accenture shows nearly half of conventional mobile phone users plan to buy a smartphone in the next 12 months.

The Accenture study also found that 69 percent of smartphone users are aware of applications from large retailers and 48 percent have downloaded at least one.

Also, 90 percent of consumers who have downloaded an application from a large retailer found it “very useful” or “useful.”

Fifty-six percent will make the shopping experience more enjoyable.

Digital marketing strategy
Introducing this application is part of a much larger digital marketing strategy, said Patrick McSweeney, a spokesman for Winn-Dixie.

“Winn-Dixie is focused on being a solution for our customers and those who haven’t shopped at our stores in a while – from having the right items on the shelf to simplifying their lives with services like this mobile app,” Mr. McSweeney said. “We are working diligently to better meet the needs of our customers every day and this app is a way that helps our customers stay organized and save money.

“Our customers are busy, so we have to do more than simply enhance our in-store shopping experience,” he said. “Winn-Dixie’s app is a one-stop solution that helps them find the closest store, manage a shopping list and browse the online circular to save time and money.  

 “Today’s shoppers want convenience – the app has already begun saving customers time and money. It’s a win-win.”
 
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