By George Anderson
SuperTarget is serious about staying connected to its customers. The retailer is now giving shoppers the option of receiving text messages on mobile devices alerting them to sales and providing information, such as recipes.
"Mobile messaging is a quick, convenient way to communicate with our guests and help them manage their time," Target spokesperson Paula Thornton-Greear told the Pioneer Press. "We want to be where our guests want and need us to be."
The chain began offering the service last week. Customers opt-in to the service by signing up online or typing the text message "Join 7" with their zip code.
"Target is very much ahead of the curve in the U.S.," said Sandeep Krishnamurthy, associate professor of e-commerce and marketing at the University of Washington.
Moderator's Comment: What is your reaction to Target's use of text messaging to connect with its customers? What do you see as the challenges/opportunities associated with this tactic? What forms of unconventional media do you believe hold the greatest promise for retailers and other marketers looking to attract new and repeat customers? - George Anderson - Moderator