Information availability changes a lot of things; where we go, how we plan our days, even how we decide where to eat. With smart phones, better wireless communication and the power of social networking, information is practically overflowing in our midst.
Take Foursquare for example, what seems to be a simple online social game of see-where-I’ve-been has become a veritable resource pool of top recommendations on where to go and grab a bite (or the closest pub that offers the best taps within a kilometer of your current location). And that is just GPS and a few virtual notes being put into application.
Some smart phone apps on the other hand allow buyers to not only follow their shopper’s instinct, but also their moral compasses as well. If you would like to purchase a product that was produced through green and eco-friendly practices, there are iPhone and Android apps that will actually identify barcodes and provide users with a useful wealth of background information on the manufacturer’s processes. There is even an app that will tell you if the company has chosen to use inhumane methods of gathering raw materials as well.
Of course, the most common form of information-influenced shopping comes from the fashion industry. Sure, having a phone with 3G means being able to check out the latest trends anytime, but as for knowing if you look good in the latest winter fashion? –ask it straight from your friends and the people you’re always with thanks to social networking.
Many stores have shown that buyers now take longer in the dressing rooms –often taking pictures of them trying out the new clothes, uploading it and getting instant comments from their friends on what looks good and what does not. At this rate, it will not be long before stores actually come up with an idea to further make use of mobile technology.
Tags: Foursquare, shopping, smartphones