Tesco launches mobile app for Clubcard
Virtual version of barcode
Tesco has released a new iPhone application for its Clubcard rewards scheme that it says will enable members to use their phone in the store to collect points instead of the plastic card.
The app displays a virtual version of the barcode found on the traditional loyalty cards on the mobile’s screen. Users can type in their loyalty card details on starting the application the first time.
Tesco’s head of research and development Nick Lansley said on his blog that the launch is ’just the start of the journey We intend to do lots more with this app in the future, including display your points balance.’”
The app will be useable in most stores and follows two previous ones for iPhones that the UK retail chain has released. The first was Tesco Finder, which uses GPS to help customers find their nearest Tesco branch and can provide the exact aisle and shelf location of any product in a given store.
The second app, Tesco Wine Finder, uses advanced technology to recognise the labels on bottles of wine. Customers can take a photo of a bottle, and if Tesco stock it, they will be provided with tasting notes and the opportunity to buy it from Tesco online.
The supermarket says that, at present, scheme members cannot load their Clubcard number from a Clubcard credit card into the new app, but this is likely to change in six to eight weeks.
The retailer plans to introduce similar apps for Blackberry and Nokia phones but does not say when that may happen.
It added that it will also soon be possible for members to scan in Clubcard vouchers that earn them additional points using the app.