Shopkick is a innovative app users can open while shopping in-store to earn real-money rewards called “kicks”. The app is connected to a high frequency bluetooth signal within the store or mall that triggers a push-notification to the users phone when they enter, asking them to open the app. Along with giving kicks, the app allows users to browse through the most popular items at the store and locate the deals and sales.

Here is a Stopkick notification received when entering an American Eagle

I think a lot of the success of this application comes from it’s unique business strategy and set-up. Shopkick runs a differentiation strategy ; they provide a service unique to the market. Instead of being brand-focused like major retailers apps such as Wal-Mart, Shopkick has the ability to incorporate multiple brands into their service. They act as a base application that users can download to use while shopping at various stores instead of just one. Their major point of difference is combining the online shopping world with in-store shopping world.

In a way, I think Stopkick has been a disruptive innovation in the shopping app market. Stopkick has caused many companies to rethink the value of their brand-specific apps because Stopkick is a domain where multiple retailers can post shopping information.

My prediction for the future of Stopkick is increased growth to the point where any brand you can think of will have a partnership with Stopkick. But, I can’t help but ask myself the question : As the app takes on more businesses, will it become a nuisance when shoppers are in mall and constantly being sent notifications? I wonder if there’s a point of saturation where the app becomes counterintuitive.

Article : http://www.forbes.com/sites/hollieslade/2014/07/02/the-30m-app-that-rewards-you-for-just-browsing/