High street retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has today announced a deal which will see it launch a specially designed app which will feature on Samsung‘s Smart TV.
Electronics firm Samsung has been one of the first companies to develop a TV that features apps in much the same way as mobile phones and tablet devices do, with its app store collection already containing services for BBC iPlayer, on-demand movie service Lovefilm, YouTube and Facebook.
M&S will become the first retailer to provide an app for the system, allowing customers to preview items across its lifestyle, food, fashion and technology product categories along with providing trend information and shopping advice, and acts as a preview of the future possibilities of home shopping.
Susan Aubrey-Cound, Director for New Channels at Marks & Spencer, commented: “We‘re continually exploring innovative, new ways to engage and interact with our customers.
“This app enables customers to discover more about our products and innovations from the comfort of their living rooms, whilst supporting our broader marketing channels.”
When mobile apps first started to be developed by retailers M&S was one of the first major high street players to invest in the technology, and the company has once again shown its determination to lead the way in multichannel with its entry in to this new medium.
Although the M&S app is not transactional, the technology to enable shoppers to buy from retailers through their TVs is not too far off, with some predicting an app of that nature is likely to be made available in the UK within the next 12 months.
Guy Kinnell, Marketing Director for TV, Samsung UK comments: “The development of the M&S Smart TV App highlights the popularity of Smart TV as the most immersive and interactive format for consumers.
“The M&S Smart TV App brings new lifestyle content from a trusted consumer brand, as well as give people a snapshot of how consumers will be able to shop in the future.‘‘
