The merchant is hoping to use its website to assist shoppers no matter where they are.
Ace Hardware has already been making a place for itself in mobile commerce, but is stepping up its game by adding features and a massive amount of content to its optimized website so that consumers will be able to use it as a “helpful place” in any place they happen to be.
Its features include a solid store locator that links to pages that are customized for each specific store.
The company wants smartphone carrying consumers to think of the website as their main hardware and reno resource. Those who access the standard site when using a smartphone or tablet will be automatically redirected to a site that is optimized for mobile commerce.
The mobile commerce site also provides a wide range of other options and features to visitors.
For example, consumers using the mcommerce website can conduct research into projects and products, they can read professional and customer reviews regarding different products available on the site, and can purchase any of the items that are for sale on the standard site. Ace Hardware worked with Branding Brand, the mobile commerce technology provider, in order to create this optimized website.
According to the store’s director of consumer marketing, Jeff Gooding, “The launch of Ace’s mobile site is all about being helpful anytime and anywhere consumers want to access Ace.” He also explained that “With increasing consumer expectations of mobile technology and the rapid growth of smartphone usage, it makes sense that we would take being helpful to this next level.”
The site now also features another element beyond its mobile commerce purchasing tools, which is called My Local Ace. This feature links to the GPS function of the device and allows the user to gain immediate access to the store services available at the nearest locations. It also provides information about featured brands, and informs the consumer about upcoming programs and events that will occur at that location. It is this part of the site that also features the various social media channels in which the store is participating.
