Apple Launches New 'Shopping' App Store Category Customer-Luring Deals
Up until now, iOS shopping apps have lived in App Store verticals such as “Lifestyle”, which are crowded with all sorts of other apps that made it difficult for would-be buyers to discover new ways to spend cash. By separating these shopping apps, Apple is creating a sort of mall within the App Store—a place spenders and gift-hunters can go when they need to stuff a stocking in a pinch. Naturally, the new category also offers Apple an opportunity to highlight apps that take advantage of Apple Pay.
Apple is planting a new flag in the e-commerce soil, with the launch of a “Shopping” category in the App Store. And it’s coming just in time for the holidays.
At launch, the vertical will feature retailers such as Everlane, Gilt, Groupon, Walgreens, and Walmart. To celebrate the launch of the channel, many of these apps are also preparing special deals for customers for the first week of launch, running from November 5 through November 12. For example, Walmart is releasing select merchandise that will only be sold through its app, while Everlane customers will get a mystery gift along with their order.
Below is a list of apps that will offer customers special deals to coincide with the launch of the new channel. All of the listed deals run from November 5 through November 12:
Everlane: For the week of November 5 through November 12, qualifying app orders will also come with a complimentary Everlane product.
Ebates: Customers wil be eligibile for up to 10 percent extra cash back with orders from more than 100 merchants, including Living Social, Overstock, Walmart, and Ralph Lauren.
Gilt :Through the week, App users will be given early access to sales from brands such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Oliver Peoples, and J Brand.
Zappos :All orders placed through the app will receive free one-day shipping. Customers will also have access to exclusive products sold through the app.
Nordstrom: Purchases of $100 or more will come with a free gift.
MikMak: Each day of the first week will feature special promotions on different products.
Groupon: Groupon promises that app users will receive in-app messages linking them to a full list of special deals for the week.
Harry’s – Shop Shave Supplies: All purchases come with a free 4oz After Shave Moisturizer.
Cartwheel by Target: Each day of the week, a different toy will be sold for 50 percent off, all women’s apparel will be 20 percent off, and all Thanksgiving side dishes will be 40 percent off.
REI: Purchases of $100 or more will receive a $20 discount.
Walgreens: All photo orders made through the app will be discounted by 30 percent through the end of the month.
Wondermall: Users will receive an extra 500 “WonderPoints” (redeemable for cash back) for their first purchase through from the app.
Walmart: Over the course of the week, select merchandise will only be available in the app.
