Facebook's new feature will let users unlock shopping rewards

By

Emily Jensen

Published
May 3, 2017

With a new feature, Facebook is attempting to expand its reach to real world stores. According to TechCrunch, a new feature on the platform will allow users to utilize a QR code to unlock discounts and rewards in brick-and-mortar shops.
 

Facebook Rewards, as the new feature is called, will not only enable users to obtain discounts, but also gives stores a way to lure in new customers. With the new technology, retailers can also see how well certain campaigns drive traffic into stores, and what items customers are purchasing and where.
 
Facebook is not the only social media platform to partner with retailers. Snapchat’s “Snap to Store” program similarly allows companies to track how well targeted ad campaigns drive business. Facebook also launched a similar program called Offers in 2012, which releases special promo codes to users that can be used for online and in-person shopping.

Facebook told TechCrunch that it has been partnering with business to test the new program for a few months. “To help businesses continue to connect with customers where they are, we’re running a small test that enables people to use the Facebook app to collect and redeem rewards when they make a purchase at a participating store.”
 
With the new Facebook Rewards program, the social media platform would face competition from similar apps like Belly and Punchcard. Startups and social media platforms like Snapchat have also been in competition to see who can provide the best digital customer data to retailers and marketers.