Armed Forces Retailer Salutes the Military Via Mobile Phones
Active duty, guard and reserve members, military retirees, and their families now can save money at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service using their mobile phones. The multi-channel retailer is disseminating mobile coupons using technology from CrossLink Media.
By opting in to the program via the retailer’s e-commerce site or by sending a text message to the retailer’s telecommunications short code (an abbreviated phone number registered with wireless carriers), military mobile phone users can receive coupons via text messages. The coupons offer discounts and shopping incentives for merchandise sold in retail stores, the catalog and the e-commerce site of Army and Air Force Exchange Service, No. 58 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide.
Coupons are redeemed by entering a promotion code during the checkout process on the e-commerce site, or by communicating it during a phone call with a catalog representative or during checkout at a retail store.
“In today’s world, virtually everyone uses their mobile phone for more than just talking,” says Chris Peterson, a senior business manager at the multi-channel retailer. “CrossLink Media’s mobile coupon program should provide a convenient way to distribute timely and relevant offers to our members and their families.”
The service is available to U.S.-based military mobile phone users and their families on most U.S. wireless telecommunications networks. The retailer and technology vendor plan to expand the program to military personnel overseas by registering short codes with foreign wireless telecommunications carriers.
Army and Air Force Exchange Service operates more than 3,000 facilities in more than 30 countries and five U.S. territories. It operates 143 retail stores and more than 2,200 fast food restaurants. It also provides military communities with convenience stores, specialty stores and movie theatres on military installations worldwide.
Source: Internet Retailer Magazine
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