Black Friday: Big Deals. Check in, Bigger Deals.

       Black Friday was two days ago which means the holiday shopping season is in full swing. Everyone knows to go shopping at midnight, 2 A.M., 4 A.M., and so on if they want the best deal on an item the day after Thanksgiving. The use of technology and social media have changed the way shoppers will shop this year. Many retailers have begun to give even bigger discounts if shoppers check into the stores. This can be done two ways, either through Facebook or Four Square.

       For example, Sears posted deals on their Facebook page before Black Friday. If a deal got enough likes, the deal would be put into effect. Radio Shack joined forces with Four Square and if a user unlocked a badge they could get up to 20% off of their purchase. American Eagle and Hollister also offered 20% off for those who checked in. The jewelry store Zales would give customers $50 off a purchase of $300 or more if they checked into Four Square. The good thing about this deal is it does not expire until New Years Eve.

       Any way you look at this, it is a good idea for these companies to advertise on Facebook and Four Square and give bigger discounts. The word will spread that Sears is offering special discounts on the Twitter and Facebook pages so more people will “like” or “follow” these pages. In Sports Authority’s case, the people that check-in  on Four Square and post it to their Twitter feed will have to wait in the store long enough to see if their name is called to win the $500 gift card. This keeps people in the store longer meaning the longer they look, the more they will probably buy. It is good that popular companies are reaching out to their customers in the environments their customers hang out in: social media environments.

http://mashable.com/2010/11/23/black-friday-social-deals/#view_as_one_page-gallery_box455