Publisher IPC Media is using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons installed in 740 One Stop convenience stores across the UK to offer discounted copies of its Chat, Pick Me Up, Woman and TV & Satellite Week magazines.

“We will be giving One Stop customers thousands of the nation’s favourite magazines at discounted prices,” says Katharine Challinor, retail sales director at IPC Media. “The technology will give us a new way to interact with our readers, at the point of sale, in a way that we know will be timely and relevant.”

“To receive the offers, customers will need to download the One Stop or Appflare Redeem app, turn their notifications on and enable their Bluetooth connection when they enter the store,” beacon provider Appflare explains.

“They will then be sent the discount codes direct to their smartphone as they enter the store through beacon technology. The discount codes can be redeemed at the till, or shared with friends via Facebook.  Only customers who have chosen to take part will receive the offers, and they can easily opt out any time by turning their notifications off.”

“Our aim is to set the standard in retail convenience, so we are really pleased to be pioneering this new service for our customers,” says Lizzie Reynolds, head of marketing at One Stop, a division of UK-based supermarket giant Tesco. “Mobile is an incredibly important channel for our customers, and we want to offer them the best shopping experience in both bricks and clicks.”