News

Phone-charging kiosks arrive at 10 mall locations

Real estate company PREIT has teamed up with phone-charging kiosk company ChargeItSpot to provide free mobile phone charging to 10 PREIT shopping malls from Michigan to Virginia.

January 11, 2016

Real estate company PREIT has teamed up with phone-charging kiosk company ChargeItSpot to provide free mobile phone charging to 10 PREIT shopping malls from Michigan to Virginia. The ChargeItSpot kiosk allows customers to charge their phones in secure lockers while shopping, according to the press release.

In order to use the kiosks, customers enter their phone number and select a security image. From there, they can charge their device in one of the eight charging bays, which come with three different cables for iPhone and Android phones. Customers could also download ChargeItSpot's mobile app that lets them know when their battery is low and directs them to the nearest charging kiosk.

The kiosks are designed to be customizable to the needs of the retailer or mall. For example, during the kiosk's test period in December, the touchscreen would display  a series of photos and ask users which prize they preferred. This was used to tie into a "Best Gift Ever" promotion, which gave shoppers the chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree.

"By offering ChargeItSpot phone-charging stations at 10 of our properties, we are providing an important convenience for our shoppers, allowing them to stay charged and engage more fully with our retailers, both of which have become increasingly important as mobile use as part of the omnichannel shopping experience continues to rise," said Joseph F. Coradino, CEO of PREIT. "This initial installation is part of a company-wide initiative to connect more closely and frequently with our shoppers through mobile communications and state-of-the-art technology and amenities including free Wi-Fi."

"PREIT is a technological leader in its space. We are excited that they have identified and embraced the needs of their shoppers with a strong first phase of deployment of ChargeItSpot across 10 of their shopping malls," ChargeItSpot founder and CEO Douglas Baldasare said in the release. "Their investment reflects a commitment to making their consumers' shopping visits a truly enjoyable and social experience."