GS25, a convenience store run by GS Retail, has been managing an app called ‘My Refrigerator’ since 2011. Through the app, consumers that buy 1+1 or 2+1 products can keep the additional products in a virtual refrigerator and claim them later at any GS25 store until the expiry date. (Image : Yonhap)
Seoul, July 27 (Korea Bizwire) – Distribution enterprises are launching smartphone applications for customers.
According to industry watchers, GS25, a convenience store run by GS Retail, has been managing an app called ‘My Refrigerator’ since 2011. Through the app, consumers that buy 1+1 or 2+1 products can keep the additional products in a virtual refrigerator and claim them later at any GS25 store until the expiry date.
The app was renewed last month, allowing customers to keep two products instead of one. In addition, the products kept in the app can be gifted to others, and can be claimed during the same period. Consumers are also showing positive responses as they do not have to go through the inconvenience of carrying many items after buying 1+1 or 2+1 products.
While there were already more than a million users prior to the app’s update in June, since then 160,000 users were added in a month. GS25 estimates that number of new members will reach 300,000 by the end of July.
Lee Gan-chul of GS Retail Marketing introduces the multi-functioned app. “There are many mobile apps that allow different types of shopping, but this is the only one that can keep products, gift them to friends, offer discounts, reserve points, participate in events, get product information and pay for products.”
Yakult Korea is another company that has taken steps into the mobile space, launching its ‘Where’s the Yakult Lady?” app in 2012. The app shows the nearest Yakult lady or store on a map. Also, by selecting the position of the Yakult lady, the consumer can talk with her on the phone directly or receive messages through text. (Image : Yonhap)
Korea Yakult is another company that has taken steps into the mobile space, launching its ‘Where’s the Yakult Lady?” app in 2012. The app shows the nearest Yakult lady or store on a map. Also, by selecting the position of the Yakult lady, the consumer can talk with her on the phone directly or receive messages through text.
Thanks to the app, customers can buy Yakult without having to walk around looking for a Yakult lady.
Byeon Gyeong-gu, Director of Business at Korea Yakult, comments on the effects of the application. “Since the app was developed, the number of calls asking for the number of Yakult ladies has dropped. We will make more efforts to make consumers feel that Yakult is in close touch.”
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
