CPG Physical Shopping App

I had this thought in the Grocery Store yesterday as I was searching the frozen-food aisle for something (a gyros "kit") I don't normally buy, and didn't even know if they stocked. In the end I found 3 alternatives, none of which were next to each other!

Then a friend noted the lack of a digital equivalent to shopping-circulars, which I [said](https://twitter.com/Bill Seitz/status/606881146874523649) seemed misdirected: Given that circulars are for already-brand-loyal, doesn't your own app/relationship replace middleman?

So now I have to write up the design of a CPG physical Shopping App (Clicks And Mortar)...

It's centered around a Shopping List (which obviously has to be shared among family members)(which has some privacy issues you need to support).

You have a particular shopping location in mind, which you identify. (You can always change your mind at any time.)

You add an item buy typing in keywords...

• The app pops up a bunch of possible matches based on what your chosen location has in stock. It includes pricing info, including special discounts (that's where your circular comes in).
• You click 1+ as being your pick/shortlist, you can also click any number as downvotes (poor match, brand you don't like, whatever).
• Your original keywords get saved as the item label.

When you enter the store and launch the app, it confirms your location (maybe this is automatic based on IBeacon).

• it orders your list by location (and gives location labels, which should be visible on each shelf-column or something: "17-B")
• it pops up price/availability changes and new specials (circular!) so can you change your specific pick for that item

You follow the instructions to go up and down the aisles picking stuff. You can check off an item as you get it, or flag it as "not today".

If you can't find it, there's another button for the item which pages someone in the store, telling them what you're looking for, and the location where you're looking, so that person can come find you where you are to help.

Items are also saved for future use, so you can re-use them (and their matches) over and over. And anything you buy that wasn't on your list gets saved at scanning.

• Update: my friend points out that if you just bootstrap this with past purchases, you might not even need the list integration most of the time, just drive everything from the past items (prioritizing them in search results).

You also get a weekly email (circular!) that tells you about specials for items that are in your list of saved items, including for the brands you don't usually buy. So you can include that specific promo item in your next-shopping-list.

Let's review and prioritize the customer problems

• need a shopping list to remember what to buy
• find item not bought before/recently
• get deals without browsing generic pile of coupons
• need specific items chosen by other family member (relatively rare)

And the retailer problems/goals

• encourage return visits, increase sales
• keep customers happy/loyal