Eagle Eye Solutions, a specialist in mobile voucher issue and redemption, has created what is believed to be the world's first peer-to-peer SMS gift voucher for the high-street fashion retailer Oasis.
The mobile vouchers use Eagle Eye's patented technology, which allows redemption in-store by keying in the unique code sent to phones using retailers' standard EPoS (electronic point of sale) and Chip & PIN systems.
Launching just in time for Christmas on December 8th across all Oasis's UK and Northern Ireland standalone stores, customers can purchase the gift vouchers online through the Oasis website or directly at www.OasisMobileVoucher.com in values of £10-£300. Once established, Oasis' parent company, Aurora Fashions, intends to roll out the mobile vouchers to all its brands – Karen Millen, Coast and Warehouse -in the first quarter of next year.
According to Eagle Eye this method has a wide range of benefits:
* Eagle Eye's mobile vouchers use a retailer's existing EPoS and Chip & PIN systems, meaning no new investment or changes to their infrastructure are needed
* Customers understand existing electronic transaction and Chip & PIN systems, so education is fast and adoption rapid
* Mobile vouchers are more environmentally friendly than paper/plastic with less wastage and a far smaller carbon footprint from creation to delivery *
* Trials have shown that on average customers are ten times more likely to redeem mobile vouchers than their paper, plastic or emailed equivalent *
* The vouchers will allow the retailer to increase footfall, revenues and even reach new demographics – especially last-minute panic-buying men!
* They can be personalised and scheduled to arrive whenever you want, e.g. Christmas Day/birthdays
* The system radically reduces the potential for fraud, as it is sent directly to the recipient's phone and must be shown in-store
* The data captured offers retailers unprecedented levels of insight into consumer behaviour
Sharon O'Connor, Managing Director, Oasis commented: "New product innovation and the ability to adapt to the changing shopping behaviour is key to truly understand constantly evolving interaction with emerging technology when looking to deliver the ultimate shopping experience.
"Through utilising new mobile technology, we can make the shopping experience more accessible to the challenging demands of daily life. Building on the success of the first commercial fashion iPhone application, the Mobile Gift Voucher initiative keeps Oasis at the forefront of technological development for the high street through embracing the emerging mobile market and creating a roadmap for the future integration of online and in-store commerce."
Steve Rothwell, CEO Eagle Eye Solutions added: "Nearly everyone in the UK can receive a text and hence a coupon or voucher on their phone, but what makes this such a breakthrough is that we've solved the key barrier to entry i.e. the real-time authentication of the voucher at the Point of Sale.
"Our future-proofed technology is being deployed to high street retailers opening up a new consumer channel for them – they get more footfall and increased revenues and the customer gets real value delivered directly to their handset. It's a win-win for everyone. This is the future for traditional retailers."
Steve Thomas, Chief Technology Officer, BT Expedite said: "Mobility is now part of mainstream retailing. Whether it's buying on a Smart Phone, up to the minute best prices and localized special offers, or trusted recommendations from social networking friends. We're delighted to see Oasis lead the pack once again with this new SMS voucher solution integrated with BT Expedite's EPoS."