People generally think of convenience stores as places to stay just long enough to fill up a tank of gas or grab a cup of coffee. But one chain based in York has taken steps to engage the smart phone-using public and received a national award for doing it.
Last spring Rutter's Farm Stores launched an iPhone app with a game similar to a slot machine. Customers could play daily for a chance to win various prizes. Now the app is also available on the Android and BlackBerry platforms. Users can check out gas prices, find stores with wi-fi or car washes, manage their loyalty card accounts and receive digital coupons. And they can of course play the Spin and Win game for the chance to win prizes like coupons or free products.
Rutter's has more than 50 locations throughout the south-central part of the state. The company won't disclose how many times its app has been downloaded.
Last month Retail TouchPoints, a media outlet for store owners, gave Rutter's a Customer Engagement Award for its app. Retail TouchPoints chose its 10 award winners based on their use of innovative technology and new strategies to engage customers. Last year the chain also received a technology implementation award from the trade publication Convenience Store News. Rutter's spokeswoman Alexandra Henry says the company is planning improvements to the app, but isn't yet going public with them.
Sources: Rutter's Farm Stores; Retail TouchPoints
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen