Multichannel retail support

In what likely means a major step forward for its mobile strategy, Best Buy has hired Stephen Gillett, an instrumental force in Starbucks’ mobile successes over the past couple of years, to further the retailer’s position in the mcommerce space.

Mobile is playing an increasingly important role for daily deals business Groupon, which reported this week that 25 percent of its offers were purchased via a mobile device in December 2011.

Bloomingdale’s is proving that mobile plays an integral role in the company’s overall strategy via a new catalog that not only promotes its recently launched iPad application, but also includes QR codes and SMS calls to action throughout.

There’s no longer a doubt as to whether or not mobile commerce will take off. The question now is how to make the most of the mcommerce opportunity.

Bass Pro Shops is piloting the use of iPod touches in stores to reduce the amount of time customers spend waiting in line to make a purchase.

PayPal is piloting a program in Singapore’s subway stations to enable commuters to shop and pay for Valentine’s Day gifts on the go.

Internet grocer Peapod, Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble’s Charmin are giving smartphone owners in Philadelphia another way to shop for groceries while they commute to work.

Grocery store chain Winn-Dixie is using QR codes to help customers serve a special Valentine’s Day meal without the need for reservations or to spend a lot of money.

With price comparison shopping increasingly popular these days, Target wants to discourage its customers from engaging in this activity by asking vendors to support in-store purchases with exclusive merchandise and better prices.

NEW YORK – A Sears executive at the Mobile FirstLook: Strategy 2012 conference yesterday said seven out of 10 smartphone owners have either shopped or browsed on their mobile device, proving that mobile is an opportunity for retailers to drive sales.