A mobile application that combines games and perks at local businesses is launching Wednesday in Chicago with the Chicago Office of Tourism and other area institutions.
SCVNGR is the latest location-based service to enter the Chicago market. These apps, which allow consumers to “check in” at local businesses, have become increasingly popular, thanks to the rise of companies such as Foursquare and Gowalla. Yelp and Facebook have also added location-based features to their offerings. The SCVNGR app is available for both the iPhone and Android-based phones.
In Chicago, SCVNGR is partnering with the Chicago Office of Tourism and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, as well as local universities and institutions such as the Lyric Opera and Navy Pier. SCVNGR has also signed up a number of local restaurants and entertainment venues, including Wow Bao and Comedy Sportz Theatre.
Consumers who use the app receive points for activities such as checking in or taking a photo at a specific place. They can redeem points for discounts or other rewards at that business.
SCVNGR is based in Cambridge, Mass. and its financial backers include Google Ventures.
wawong@tribune.com
What a lame article. Is this just a press release from the company? Why don’t they take out an ad in the Tribune rather than calling this editorial copy?
Its actually not a press release…http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/SCVNGR-Rewards-Sweeping-Chicago-1334320.htm. Thats our press release.
Want to get your business involved? Email me at logan@scvngr.com. I’m the Chicago Rep for SCVNGR. Looking forward to hearing from you!