Shop Online, Buy In-store A recent survey by Accenture found that consumers like to use the Internet to do their research when shopping, whether they intend to buy online or purchase in-store. Over 69 percent of those who purchased either online or in-store researched product features online beforehand, and a majority of them (67 percent) preferred to make purchases in-store. Over half of them (58 percent) used the Internet to find items in nearby stores."(1) "Metropark's fashion-savvy customers regularly shop both the mall and online," states Laura Bojanowski, Director of Marketing for Metropark, a shopping destination for today's trendsetting young adults. "NearbyNow has created a new way for us to access shoppers at the mall that presents Metropark's mix of contemporary and street fashion apparel and accessories that we carry to customers in a unique way, giving them the option to shop either channel at their convenience. We are excited to see how we can work together with NearbyNow to present new products for the holiday shopping season and provide our customers with the most convenient ways to shop." The mobile phone as a local mall directory While at the mall, consumers can use their mobile phone to find last-minute gifts, view coupons and sale promotions, and even receive mobile-only offers. It's easy to use, by texting a mall-specific code (such as "VF" for Westfield Valley Fair) to the shortcode NEARBY (632729), shoppers receive simple instructions on how to search hundreds of sale items in the mall by typing such categories as "toys," "sneakers," or any other item they might be searching for. Each shopping center will display signage outlining the appropriate shortcodes and instructions throughout the mall. "We see shoppers using the Internet and mobile phones more and more each year," said Scott Peterson, Digital Marketing Manager for The Westfield Group, a premier mall owner and operator. "NearbyNow has created a unique way to blend these technologies to make the shopping center experience more convenient. We are excited to provide this to our 60 premier properties for this holiday season." At a mall near you NearbyNow has partnered with renowned shopping mall operators such as The Westfield Group, CBL & Associates Properties, and General Growth Properties to deliver their experience to malls in over 130 cities. Shoppers can log on to their local mall's Web site or http://www.nearbynow.com to find the nearest participating mall. About NearbyNow, Inc. NearbyNow, Inc. provides a unique online service that allows consumers to search inventory of all products, brands, and sales currently available at local shopping centers using the Internet or mobile phones. Working with shopping centers and retailers across the United States, NearbyNow enables consumers to easily access local information both before and during their shopping trips. The company also creates an efficient marketing tool for retailers to target nearby consumers, helping to drive sales by turning online shoppers into in-store buyers. NearbyNow is headquartered in Los Altos, Calif. Additional information can be obtained by phone at (650) 947-1300 or via the Web at www.nearbynow.com. (1) Accenture, April 09, 2007, http://accenture.tekgroup.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=4529.
Contact Information: MEDIA CONTACTS: Corporate: Beth Trier Trier and Company for NearbyNow 415.285.6147 Consumer: Samantha Curley Trier and Company for NearbyNow 415.399.1002 Local Malls: Pamela Herman Trier and Company for NearbyNow 415.422.0024