Pick n Pay launches Smart Shopper app

The South African retail company, Pick n Pay has launched a new Smart Shopper app that does away with the need to carry a physical loyalty card when shopping at any of the retailer’s stores.

The company in a statement, revealed that the new app also assists Pick n Pay shoppers track and earn benefits, and switch loyalty points for airtime and data. “This marks the start of a new era of customer engagement and convenience for Smart Shopper as it aims to become South Africa’s most engaging loyalty programme,” the company said.

The company said that the app officially launched on Wednesday the 11th of October, and enables completely digital and card-free Smart Shopper membership. “Customers can seamlessly register and instantly receive a virtual card, which can be used in-store or online. Smart Shoppers can also opt for digital receipts on the app, which will be available to view immediately after each transaction.” – it added.

This is the first time that Pick n Pay will also be allowing customers to swap loyalty points for airtime and data via its mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, known as Pick n Pay Mobile.

Wayne Mhlanga, who is the company’s digital transformation officer, said the new Smart Shopper app is just the start of a “road map to revolutionise the programme in the coming months and years”. He also said that customers increasingly use smartphones to interact and engage, and as the company, they intend to meet them where they are.

“The app will now give customers more convenient ways to engage with Smart Shopper benefits, such as an easy way to check your points balance and receive the best Smart Shopper offers.” – Mhlanga added.

“We have re-engineered the tech behind the app, and our new machine-learning algorithm is generating more relevant personalised discounts and new product recommendations. These updates lay the groundwork for our future plans to grow the app,” he said.

The retailer also revealed that soon it will be launching a new app-only “Smart Shopper Happy Hour” initiative. “Vouchers will be loaded onto the Pick n Pay Smart Shopper app in the morning for customers to claim on a first-come basis. The vouchers are then redeemable within a prescribed shopping hour later that day. Smart Shopper Happy Hour launches with a discount of 50% off customers’ entire shop later this week. As vouchers are limited, customers are encouraged to enable app notifications to ensure they don’t miss out.”

Customers will have to register their Smart Shopper cards to get these benefits. This can be done in the app, or via WhatsApp. “Customers can continue using their current Smart Shopper cards or transition to a virtual card via our app,” the company said.