[Sponsored Report] SKT helps customers slim their wallets, shopping carts

SKT showcases fintech products at the 2015 Mobile World Congress. Provided by the company

At the 2015 Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, SK Telecom successfully caught the eyes of foreign investors. The mobile carrier chose to apply fintech to shopping, helping consumers enjoy their trip to the grocery store without having to haul their purchases home, via the Smart Shopper system.

Upon entering a store, customers are given a scanner that recognizes the barcodes on items. After browsing, they pay for their items through a kiosk without standing in long lines. Then they leave empty handed; the groceries are delivered to their home.

The Smart Shopper’s strength compared to online or mobile shopping is that customers can see and evaluate the products in real life. Therefore, the rate of satisfaction is expected to increase.

This is also a benefit for the stores, because the space needed for inventory can be significantly downsized.

SKT showcases fintech products at the 2015 Mobile World Congress. Provided by the company

The company’s ambition to shift the shopping paradigm, however, goes beyond the Smart Shopper. SK Planet, an affiliate of SKT, released a new shopping platform called Shopkick.

This smartphone-based system uses Bluetooth technology to lead customers to nearby shops. Information regarding products and sales are provided, while the application can also be used to pay for items.

Currently, Shopkick provides information for over 200 global brands, including Macy’s, P&G and L’Oreal.

SKT is also developing the Smart Credit Card, which the saves payment information for many different credit cards onto one. The card’s Bluetooth technology also helps to find it if lost, and makes it easy to check previous transactions via a smartphone.

The card’s convenience surpasses existing methods of easy payment. Unlike near field communication payment systems, which require special infrastructure in the affiliate stores, the Smart Credit Card does not require additional equipment or installations. Therefore, a faster and more widespread use of the system is expected.

Furthermore, loyal customers of certain restaurants or cafes no longer have to rummage through their wallets for rewards cards. Instead, they can get access to SKT’s Smart Stamp, a system that allows their smartphone to keep track of rewards for different shops all in one place.

Whether it’s shopping, dining or even just grabbing a cup of coffee, customers can enjoy a new level of convenience as fintech changes lifestyles.