AU2012258392A1 - A Retail System - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Disclosed herein is a retail system comprising: an online platform accessible by a portable digital device, the online platform containing information about a retail store, the online platform being accessible from the digital device by inputting an access 5 code into the digital device, the access code for inputting into the digital device being displayed visually at the retail store. - 11 - is .: cii M ~ c cii jir I!] CLa Fiur

Description

A Retail System Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a retail system to benefit shoppers and retailers. Background to the Invention Marketing provides for the promotion and selling of products and services and is an important commercial aspect for the retailer as well as the consumer. 10 For the retailer, marketing is important to provide the continuous supply of consumers and to provide a means in which to compete with other retailers, For the consumer, marketing assists in identifying the different retailers providing their desired product and/or service and further identifying the best deals so as to undertake the most 15 effective shopping. Effectiveness in retailing is also an important commercial aspect. The convenient location of goods assists in consumers locating desired goods and further identifying and locating associated goods and products. The lack of convenient 20 location of goods can result in consumer's leaving the retail store in frustration, possibly without purchasing the desired good/s. Further, in not providing consumers with alternatives or an associated product that may be of interest to the consumer is a loss of potential sales for the retailer. 25 The prior art does not provide the combination of marketing and the effectiveness of shopping which are important in order to provide a true effective shopping experience for the retailer and the consumer. Summary of the Invention 30 In one aspect, the invention provides a retail system comprising: an online platform accessible by a portable digital device, the online platform containing information about a retail store, the online platform being accessible from the digital device by inputting an access code into the digital device, the access code for inputting into the digital device being displayed visually at the retail store. 35 In one form, the access code is a quick response (QR) code. In one form, the access code contains information that enables the online platform to collect statistical data. 40 The information collected by the online platform may, for example, include the physical location of the access code, the retail store associated with the access code, information from the digital device and the time at which the access code was inputted into the digital device. 45 -1 - In one form, the access code is adapted to be scanned by a scanner inbuilt into the portable digital device. The information about the retail store container on the online platform may, for 5 example, include a location of the store, opening hours, product information, product location and special offers, In another aspect the invention provides a consumer aid having: an access code displayable in a visual manner at a retail outlet; 10 an online platform available from a plurality of different handheld digital devices, the online platform having a plurality of marketing information; an input means for inputting the access code to one of the plurality of different handheld digital devices for allowing access to the online platform; wherein the online platform provides marketing information relevant to the 15 particular retail outlet associated with the access code. Preferably the input means is a scanner for scanning the displayed access code. The scanner can be inbuilt to the handheld digital device. 20 The access code is preferably not visually decipherable but is only decipherable by comparison on the online platform. This increases security and allows plurality of other information to be included simultaneously, 25 The visually non decipherable access code can further include one or more amounts of detail for use by the retailer when accessing the online platform including one or more of: location of access code; associated store to access code; 30 associated information from digital device; effective date of access code. It can therefore be seen that access code provides information regarding location, time, store and multiple other retail marketing tools. 35 According to another aspect, the present invention provides a consumer aid comprising a system for providing details of a stores products for sale; the details including product sales, product location and ancillary marketing information relative to the particular store location; wherein the details are accessed by use of an access code for a 40 particular store at a particular location; and wherein the access to the details provides a feedback on the means of access to the access code. The system includes feedback on the means of access to the access code based on: 1. scan at the store location; 45 2. scan at particular advertising at store location or nearby; -2- 3. scan of a promotional material elsewhere; 4. scan from online search; and 5. scan at particular time. 5 The feedback being identifiable by the access code including a store location, and the feedback using slightly modified access codes or QR codes. e.g. at Doncaster Shoppingtown store complex and mall but at advertising outside a store at the other end of the shopping complex (this shows the effectiveness of enticing client to store even though at other end of shopping centre). 10 The system can include access code for a particular store at a particular location such that particular feedback provides: a) Identifiable location of goods for particular goods on a shopping list b) Particular specials for the store location 15 c) Particular ancillary marketing The system being accessible to a store website such that it can include: (i) the store website having primary costing and a secondary store costing for each store location or group of store locations. 20 (ii) the store having ready access such as wifi to store website (iii) the store website including ancillary aspects such as missing item feedback on future delivery, or total shopping costs to date etc. It can be seen that the invention in one form provides the primary novelty of the relative 25 website to the physical store you are entering and the feedback on source of access to the website. It can be seen that the invention provides an innovative, user friendly, mobile wireless retail marketing tool that communicates up to the minute store specific offers and 30 information directly in to the hands of shoppers with a web connected mobile telephone as they enter the store. The consumer aid is not another device specific mobile APP. The service was conceived to empower more consumers with unrestricted access to a simple on demand location specific service that delivers real value and an enhanced 35 shopping experience. As well it empowers the retailer with invaluable marketing information and marketing platforms. 40 The service utilises quick response code technology to provide a seamless connection between the offline and online world enabling retailers to connect with shoppers like never before. -3- Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an access code, in accordance with a first 5 embodiment of the invention: Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of a digital device having access in the retail system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of the retail system in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; and 10 Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the retail system platform in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The invention provides a retail system comprising an access code associated with a 15 retail outlet. The access code can be displayed in a visual manner at the retail outlet. The retail system further comprises of an online platform available from a plurality of different digital devices and also includes an input means for inputting the access code to one of the plurality of digital devices for allowing access to the online platform. In doing so, the online platform provides information relevant to the retail outlet 20 associated with the access code. The retail system can be used as part of a system for providing details of a stores products for sale; the details including product sales, product location and ancillary marketing information relative to the particular store location; wherein the details are 25 accessed by use of an access code for a particular store at a particular location; and wherein the access to the details provides a feedback on the means of access to the access code. The system can operate over an internet platform using a remote server. In one form the access code, as shown in Figure 1, is a Quick Response code 30 ("QR code") 12. The QR Code 12 is a two-dimensional code, readable by a digital device such as a handheld or portable digital device. The QR code 12 consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The encoded information can be text or URL. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the QR code 12 opens a link to a URL for a mobile website unique to a retailer's 35 website/webpage 18. Alternatively, the QR code 12 can further include one or more amounts of detail for use by the retailer 11 when the user 10 accesses an online platform 16 including one or more of locations of access code; associated store to access code; associated information from the handheld digital device and effective date of access code. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the access code is not 40 visually decipherable in that it has a complex visual structure but is only decipherable by comparison and interpretation on the online platform 16 via recognition and interpretation by the digital device 14 or software and hardware incorporated into the digital device 14. This increases security and allows plurality -4of other information to be included and transferred simultaneously onto the user's digital device 14. A digital device, such as a handheld or portable digital device 14, shown in Figure 2, 5 can be used to scan the access code and receive information from the online platform 16 as detailed below. The digital device 14 can be a mobile phone with a camera and/or a smartphone. The digital device can include or be connected to an input means (not shown) for inputting the access code to the digital device for allowing access to the online platform 16. The input means can be part of the software or hardware of the 10 digital device or be connected or associated to the input means. In one form, the input means can be a scanner, such as a QR scanner, camera or reader. Figure 3 illustrates that the retail system operates on an internet based platform 16. In a first embodiment shown in Figure 3, a user can scan the QR code 12 through their 15 digital device 14 to be directed to an online platform 16 associated with the encoded information of the retailer. Figure 3 further illustrates an advantage of the invention where access to the invention is not restricted to a device specific software or application, Access can be provided to a user having access to an online platform 16, such as a web connected smartphone or tablet with a quick response scanner. As the 20 invention is based on an online platform 16 rather than an Application or software based platform, more people can access the invention quickly and easily on the spot as they enter the retail location. The scanning of the access code initiates communication and access directly to the retailer's website/webpage 18 (shown in Figure 3) or through a primary website 17 (shown in Figure 4). 25 Referring to Figure 4 there is provided a retail system wherein an access code is displayable in a visual manner at one of three retailers 18 A, B or C. In one embodiment, shown in Figure 3 the access code can be related and associated with the retail location and the physical boundaries or limitations of the retail location. In an alternate 30 embodiment, where the retailer is located in a shopping centre/complex, the access code 12 can be located at a relative distance from the retailer at, for example, the entrance to the shopping centre/complex. An online platform is available from a plurality of different portable digital devices 12 of the user, the online platform 16 having a plurality of marketing information related to the associated retailer. In such 35 an embodiment, the access means provides a direct communication with the retailer's website through the online platform to access marketing information of the retailer 11. However, as shown in Figure 3, this online platform can be the same platform for a multitude of stores of a retailer 11 and even for a multitude of different retailers and each set of stores for each retailer. In such an embodiment, each 40 retailer has a retailer website 18 accessible through a primary website 17. The primary website 17 is the main website where multiple retailers 11 login to maintain their own mobile web content. The user can, through the access code, determine the relevant retailer and/or retail store on the primary website 17 to simplify communication and provide continuous communication between the user and retailer -5and provide a workable subset of mobile website A, B or C relevant to the retailer store A, B or C. The online platform 16 has a benefit of significantly reducing advertising costs for 5 retailers and provides instant merchandising communication to shoppers. The service is not a device specific restricted Application/software. It is a location specific mobile web based service which can be accessed by all web connected mobile phones instantly. 10 In use, each user 10 (i.e. shopper) visiting the relative retail store A, B or C can have an input means on their digital device, such as a scanner, for inputting the access code to the different digital devices 14 for allowing access to the online platform 16 and wherein the online platform 16 provides marketing information relevant to the particular retail outlet associated with the access code. 15 In return the retailer obtains retailer information from the user's access to the scanned access code, including location, the time, the number of accesses, details of popular products and a range of other matter as well as providing a service to the shopper and providing marketing and product location information etc. Such retailer information can 20 be presented as a statistical assessment for the retailer. In doing so, the invention provides a feedback means through the retailer information assisting them in furthering the marketing of their retailer store and products, whilst providing an efficient shopping experience for the user. The feedback means allows for data collation of real time activity of users. The retailer is able to log on to the retail system and can view an 25 interface illustrating how many times their access code has been scanned by user's, by device type, by browser type and in what location. It can also provide an indication as to popular products and their location to determine high user traffic areas in the store. Information related to the monitoring of the use of the access codes is maintained on a server. 30 A more particular embodiment is described below: As a user 10, such as a shopper, enters a retail store of the retailer, they can scan the QR Code 12 (which is preferably in a visually locatable position). In doing so, a welcome 35 message appears on their handheld digital device 14, such as a smart phone, with an invitation to scroll down and view today's retail store specials. Shoppers can peruse a list of the current retail store specials on their phone featuring a picture of each product, the sale price and the saving. With a simple touch of the screen, 40 featured items can be added to a personal shopping list that also displays the aisle location of the product in the store. Retailers access and manage products listed on their webpage via a simple login to an online interface for their store. This is where products listed and pricing can be modified -6 instantly and automatically updated on the user's handheld digital device allowing up to date continuous communication between the user and the retailer. The retailer interface also provides comprehensive up to the minute scan analytics including how many times the store QR code has been scanned, by device type, browser type and location. 5 It can be seen that the benefits for retailers is to create, control and communicate product promotion instantly. One of the key features of the invention is for retailers to have the ability for each store to add or remove products instantly. In addition to program stock promotions, shelf life markdowns, store specific stock management and 10 other promotional activity can be instantly communicated to shoppers entering the store via a simple website platform that is controlled by each store manager. Further advantages include: * Increased sales - promotes impulse purchasing by shoppers who are enticed by 15 the offers and marketing information communicated to them by the retailer. * Proactive real time merchandising - the retailer can add or remove items instantly and the user will be presented with up to date and accurate information on products and merchandise. a Reduce advertising costs - Retailers can omit the need to print and circulate 20 catalogues whilst improving marketing communication with shoppers. * Makes shopping personal, the user is able to select the items personal to them with descriptions as to the products chosen, include location information thereby assisting in the efficiency of the user's shopping experience. The marketing information can also include details of related or accessory products. 25 * Location specific - the user is provided with marketing information relevant to the associated store such that the information provided to them is relevant and associated with the store in which they are physically present. * Product pairing - up sell other product strategically merchandised with a sale listed item. 30 * The service can be branded and modified to suit retailer. * Real time Scanalytics - ability to measure scan activity for each location. * Incentive to visit a retail store - Accessed only by scanning a code in store. " The offer stays with the shopper on their mobile phone but is updated where the retailer provides updates. 35 The benefits for shoppers is that conscious consumers are seeking ways to 'shop smarter' with value and convenience high on the agenda when choosing where to shop. The invention provides key benefits for today's consumer: a Shoppers are notified of all store specials immediately available as they 40 enter into the retail outlet. a Shoppers will be aware and informed of sale items so that they don't miss a saving. 0 Shoppers are provided with store specific item location information to guide them around the store and assist them in located desired goods. -7- 0 Calculated price savings which allows the shopper to determine how much they have saved. As the user selects and creates an itemized list of desired items, they have an understanding of the total cost of the bill prior to checkout. 5 * Improves convenience for shoppers who are time poor. * Connects shoppers personally with the retailer. * Provides a more satisfying shopping experience. In addition to providing greater accessibility for more shoppers there are also significant 10 cost savings and maintenance efficiencies available for retailers by eliminating the need to create compatible 'Apps' for several different smartphone technology platforms. It can be seen that the invention provides an innovative, user friendly, mobile wireless retail marketing tool that communicates up to the minute store specific offers and 15 information directly in to the hands of shoppers with a web connected mobile telephone as they enter the store. The words "comprise", "comprising" and grammatical variations thereof, when used in this specification and in the following claims, are intended to specify the presence of the 20 recited features, but not preclude the addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps or groups. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that such modifications or changes to the particular embodiments exemplified can be made without departing from the scope of 25 the invention, and all such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. - 8-

Claims (9)

1. A retail system comprising: an online platform accessible by a portable digital device, the online platform containing information about a retail store, 5 the online platform being accessible from the digital device by inputting an access code into the digital device, the access code for inputting into the digital device being displayed visually at the retail store. 10

2. The retail system of claim 1, wherein the access code is a quick response (QR) code.

3. The retail system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the access code contains information that enables the online platform to collect statistical data. 15

4. The retail system according to claim 3, wherein the information collected by the online platform comprises a physical location of the access code, the retail store associated with the access code, information from the digital device and the time at which the access code was inputted into the digital device, 20

5. The retail system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access code is adapted to be scanned by a scanner inbuilt into the portable digital device. 25

6. The retail system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the information about the retail store comprises a location of the store, opening hours, product information, product location and special offers.

7. A consumer aid comprising: a system for providing details of a stores products for 30 sale; the details including product sales, product location and ancillary marketing information relative to the particular store location; wherein the details are accessed by use of an access code for a particular store at a particular location; and wherein the access to the details provides a feedback on the means of access to the access code. 35

8. A consumer aid according to claim 7, wherein the feedback means for a particular store at a particular location provides: a) identifiable location of goods for particular goods on a shopping list; b) particular specials for the store location; and 40 c) particular ancillary marketing.

9. A consumer aid comprising: an access code displayable in a visual manner at a retail outlet; an online platform available from a plurality of different handheld digital 45 devices, the online platform having a plurality of marketing information; -9- an input means for inputting the access code to one of the plurality of different handheld digital devices for allowing access to the online platform; wherein the online platform provides marketing information relevant to the particular retail outlet associated with the access code. 5 - 10 -