Best Buy Launches Shopkick Automatic Checkins and Rewards at 257 Stores

Best Buy is readying 257 of its U.S. stores for a digital loyalty program that rewards customers who walk in and automatically check in via the Shopkick iPhone app and future Andriod app.

The Best Buy Shopkick initiative was announced earlier this month and will award offline shoppers with “kickbucks” — the Shopkick virtual currency — that can be redeemed in-store or converted to Best Buy gift certificates online. Shopkick has been integrated into Best Buy’s point of sale system, allowing customers to give their mobile phone number to the cashier to redeem discounts.

The program is set to go live tomorrow in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, New York City and Chicago markets, with 70 additional stores in Dallas, Miami and Minneapolis set to support the digital rewards program by October 1.

Shopkick’s iPhone app (which also goes live tomorrow) is designed to automatically check shoppers in to retail venues; no manual entry or GPS required. The automatic checkin is powered by small, physical speakers that emit inaudible sound near the entrances of participating stores. Mobile phone microphones are designed to pick up the signal, which will contain a store-specific code, if the Shopkick app is installed and running.

Shopkick’s launch partnerships extend beyond Best Buy and include Macy’s and two additional yet-to-be-disclosed retailers. Shopkick also has a partnership with U.S. mall operator Simon Property Group, owner of 370 shopping centers nationwide. Twenty-five malls in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago are said to be launching with the Shopkick program by the end of the month.

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