Select Target stores 'kick' off mobile app

MINNEAPOLIS — A location-based retail app now is available for Target shoppers in select markets.

Target shoppers in in the Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York and San Francisco/Silicon Valley markets now can enjoy Shopkick, which allows customers to receive points, or "kickbucks," and scannable mobile coupons that can be redeemed at checkout. The "kickbucks" are accrued over time, then redeemed for various rewards, including Target gift cards, music downloads or charitable donations. Guests can redeem their Target GiftCards directly from the shopkick app by having a cashier scan the phone's screen at point of sale.

"At Target, we recognize our guests are connected through a multitude of mobile and social networking technologies," said Steve Eastman, Target.com president. "Innovative mobile applications, like Shopkick, provide a fun and engaging way for our guests to connect with Target while earning valuable rewards, which can be easily redeemed for future in-store purchases."

Shopkick is a third-party mobile app for the iPhone that leverages the popularity of "checking in" at various retail locations to earn points and other rewards by entering or exploring specific areas of the store.