Apartment Therapy Unplugged | Look! Ikea Mobile

Look! Ikea Mobile

We spotted this kiosk on a recent trip to the Seattle IKEA, and immediately were curious as to what it offered. What we found was a cool use of technology that allows you to sync your mobile phone via text message and barcodes. But why would you want to do that?

What we had hoped for was a way to make a shopping list for the dreaded self-serve area, but we didn't find anything that cool. For now, it gives you access to several coupons and specials for the week and sends you regular updates via text message for deals and discounts. We didn't take advantage of any of the coupons offered, but we'd guess you have to show or scan your cell phone as you check out.

Has anyone else spied this at IKEA or is Seattle a test case? What are your experiences with it? We're hoping this technology could be expanded to help us get our shopping done a bit easier, but for now we'll take the 10% off or $5 off an Ektorp chair.

Comments (3)

A visit 1 week ago to the Twin Cities Ikea didn't have anything like that, as far as we're aware.

posted by kate on February 4th 2008 at 5:23am
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How does it work technically? The photo's resolution is too low to read the detail information.

I guess in case of a coupon you just take a photo with the built in mobile camera.

How is the text message service done? Do you have to send a text message to a given number?

posted by Alex. on February 18th 2008 at 4:03am
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wow, very few people actually know about this?
We were in the store on Sunday May 25th.
Went for a small lunch there it was, a bit lonely and noone around. We tried it, text IKEA1 to #30321. we received a barcode per return sms, scanned it under the machine and yes girls and boys... a coupon printed out stating 20pct discount on one article of choice excluding as is and restaurant. This weekend was also "no tax" so we bought a Tullery suite (wooden patio furniture set) for $149.00, no tax and minus 20 pct = $119.20 instead of the $163.00 on other weekend and without Ikea Mobile!

posted by uvodee on May 27th 2008 at 10:24am
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