Target has rolled out Cartwheel, a program that enables Facebook users to get special offers that can be redeemed using their smartphones in the retailer's stores, but not its website.
The program is among the latest attempts by retailers to leverage social media to drive actual sales. Interestingly, Target chose to have a separate page for Cartwheel rather than having it housed on the chain's Facebook page.
"For Target, this is an important step for us to test new technologies and learn from our guests as we continue to bridge the gap between digital and our stores," Eric Hausman, a spokesperson for Target, told the Star Tribune.
Customers with the Cartwheel by Target app can download a barcode to their iPhone or Android phone and then tap the "redeem in store" button to have a QR code scanned at the checkout. There is also the option of printing the discount offer and having it scanned at the checkout.
Deals typically offer discounts in the range of 5 to 40 percent. Cartwheel users can earn additional offers by having friends on Facebook join.
"People like to talk about great deals," Mr. Hausman told the Star Tribune. "They also like seeing what other people are doing."
The Cartwheel page, which had 1,300 followers, offered 23 special deals for Mother's Day, including 10 percent off Dove Chocolate, 20 percent off of greeting cards and 30 percent off Threshold picture frames.