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Target coupons going mobile
The Minneapolis-based retailer is the first to use bar-code technology to send coupons to smart phones.
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The scissors-and-paper routine of clipping coupons may not be going the way of the typewriter anytime soon, but more companies are turning to mobile phone coupons in a big way.
Minneapolis-based Target Corp. is the latest, announcing Wednesday that its customers can now download deals to their smart phones.
Similar to the mobile gift-card program Target announced last month, customers can access the coupons by going online (target.com/mobile) or by texting "Coupons" to 827438 (which spells "Target").
Cashiers scan the bar codes from the phones at checkout.
Target is the first national retailer to use the scannable bar-code technology, said spokeswoman Leah Guimond. She declined to name the vendor that is providing the service.
"Guests are relying more and more on their mobile phones, and we wanted to provide an on-the-go solution to make shopping easier," she said.
The Mall of America in Bloomington launched a service last year called MallCall, which allows shoppers to access unadvertised promotions. The service has the potential to reach 20,000 people a day, according to the MallCall.
J.C. Penney is expected to begin a nationwide rollout of its mobile coupon program in the coming weeks, after testing it last year in 16 Texas locations, according to Cellfire Inc., a company that provides the service.
Grocery stores, including Kroger and Tom Thumb, have been sending out mobile coupons since 2008 and 2009, and many fast-food chains also offer them.
Most of Target's coupons will be good for about a month.
Jackie Crosby • 612-673-7335
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