What’s happening in mobile around the world
Woolworths uses QR codes to introduce grocery shoppers to farmers
Australian grocer Woolworths is set to launch a new QR code initiative to educate shoppers about the farmers who supply the brand’s produce. By scanning product packaging, consumers will be able to see a photo of the farmer who grew the produce, visit his or her website and read more about their farm.
[Read more via Mobile Commerce Press]
Also in Australia: The Toronto-based mobile couponing startup Vouchr has set up shop in Australia, because consumers there are increasingly using smartphones to redeem in-store deals, said CEO Chris Newel. “This is a rapidly evolving category and the tremendous growth seen in the U.S. is a foretaste of what will undoubtedly happen in the Australian market,” said Newell.
British Airways testing NFC luggage tags
Reusable luggage tags are being tested by British Airways as a tie-in to the carrier’s mobile app. Using the tags, consumers can have their tags scanned at the bag drop and go straight through security, according to the company. Good news for iPhone users: the final version of the product will make use of Bluetooth technology, so the tags will work with non NFC-enabled phones.
[Read more via NFCWorld]
Mobile commerce to make up 27% of all sales in the UK by 2017
Absolute Digital Media is predicting that mobile commerce will account for more than one-quarter of all online sales (26.5%) by 2017. In 2012, 10.2% of all sales were completed via smartphones, according to eMarketer data cited by Absolute Digital Media. The agency predicted that number will grow to 11.5% by the end of this year.
[Read more via Mobile Ecommerce Press]
M&C Saatchi Mobile sees huge mobile potential in Africa
Strong economic growth in Africa and accessibility to cheap smartphones is creating huge opportunities for mobile marketers targeting African consumers, according to M&C Saatchi Mobile. The agency recently released a whitepaper on mobile marketing in Africa, with CEO, James Hilton stating, “Contrary to popular thinking, Africa is not an under-developed region – it’s the second largest and fastest-growing mobile phone market in the world after China.”
