Target Testing Beacon Tech for Coupons, Recommendations

Target is testing beacon technology in 50 stores across the country in its latest effort to use technology to enhance the in-store experience.

Shoppers in Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, New York City, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle will be prompted to “opt in” on their smartphone’s Target app to share their location and receive push notifications for coupons and recommendations for nearby products in the store.    

“We’re excited to start using beacon technology to offer real-time, relevant content and services that can help make shopping at Target easier and more fun,” said Jason Goldberger, president of Target.com and Mobile. “This is another way Target is bridging mobile and stores, and using digital to enhance the in-store shopping experience. We look forward to seeing how our guests respond to what we’ve built."

Target says shoppers will receive no more than two notifications per shopping trip, and promises to make sure the alerts and in-app updates provide compelling content and offers.

Two upcoming tech enhancements for shopping were listed on the Target website where the beacon announcement was made:

• Ability to dynamically re-sort a shopping list as shoppers move through the store, like how smartphone maps re-routes those who veer off course
• Ability to use a smartphone to request the help of a store team member.