Pepsi Enthusiast

For those consumers out there who do not believe that Coca-Cola is an acceptable substitute for Pepsi, you are in luck. Sometime this month, PepsiCo will be launching Pepsi Loot; an iPhone app that uses geotargeting technology to allow Pepsi fanatics the ability to locate all restaurants and eateries that carry their beverage products. This app will not just have locations of chain restaurants that carry PepsiCo, like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Arby’s, and Panda Express, but will also allow customers to find smaller more local restaurants that carry their product.

Once Pepsi fanatics choose one of these “Pop Spots” they can check in via the application. This allows them to earn “Loot” points that can be used to download songs, behind the music interviews, and even get free products from participating restaurants. The geo-based technology is the first of its kind and an example of another way that companies are using social media and innovative technology to get in touch with their customers. Margery Schelling, chief marketing officer for PepsiCo Foodservice said, "It's a big equalizer...It's bringing a lot of awareness to some of our smaller partners." Schelling also added that the company may look for ways to expand it beyond beverages and restaurants, into retail outlets and convenience stores. I would be interested in seeing PepsiCo retail stores because I couldn’t possibly imagine what they would sell.