Coupon giant Groupon has is stepping up its assault on the point-of-sale market through the launch of a new iPad-based platform that uses Bluetooth to recognise voucher holders as they walk into the store.
Gnome is an all-in-one cash register that lets retailers log cash transactions, accept card payments, print and e-mail receipts, calculate multiple tax rates, manage menu items, view transaction history and issue refunds.
However, it also uses Bluetooth technology to instantly recognise firms' Groupon customers as they enter the building, with coupons redeemed without the need to present a printed voucher or show their mobile phone.
A CRM platform helps businesses customise marketing campaigns using purchase history and preferences, while Gnome also lets merchants share customer feedback via Facebook and Twitter and enables one-click e-mail response to solve customer service issues as they happen. The system also integrates with accounting software programmes such as Quickbooks.
The technology has been on trial in five cities and has proved popular, Groupon CEO Eric Lefkofsky told Bloomberg, with 98% of companies approached deciding to adopt it.
Says Lefkofsky: "Gnome is an amazing piece of technology that plugs our merchants into the Web and helps them form relationships with every customer that walks in their front door. When it's complete, Gnome will serve as an operating system for merchants to run their entire operation and enable them to create real-time promotions that bring customers into their business when they need them the most."