The Westfield Group, which operates 48 shopping centers in the U.S., recently unveiled a complete redesign of its shopping center app that it described as "essentially the mall concierge in the palm of your hand."
Upgrades to the new Westfield App v2.0, available in the iTunes App Store, include:
- Expanded Search - Users can browse specific products with keyword searches; sort by relevance, retailer and price; and can use keywords to search for special events, dining options and store locations.
- Directions - A new map enables users to navigate the mall efficiently, guiding them turn-by-turn from where they are to where they want to go.
- Enhanced Offers - Shoppers in search of sales and special offers can browse the app's curated list of the mall's best deals.
- Social Media Integration - The app is fully integrated with Facebook and Twitter.
- Hands Free, Voice Command "Concierge" (beta) - A shopper can simply press a "Tap to Ask" button and tell the concierge what they need help with, from "Where is the bathroom?" to "Where can I buy a gift card?" to "I'm hungry."
- OpenTable Reservations - Reservations can be made at participating full-service restaurants through the app's OpenTable plug-in.
![[Image: ?Overview: The Westfield App 2.0?
]](/public/images/discussions/16241/video-westfield-app.jpg)
"We had such an enthusiastic response to the original version of the Westfield App." said Alan Cohen, executive vice president of marketing, Westfield, in a statement. "After studying the feedback of hundreds of thousands of our shoppers, we found that the majority wanted two things: to get around the mall easier and to save money. Westfield App v2.0 accomplishes both of these things."
The Westfield Group, based in Sydney, Australia, has interests in 111 shopping centers in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S.