Gamification

Gamification is the process of applying game mechanics to non-game related things in an attempt. Wikipedia describes the techniques used to employ gamification as leveraging "people's natural desires for competition, achievement, status, self-expression, altruism, and closure". Some of the game like rewards used are points, marks for certain achievements, some sort of leveling system or giving the player virtual money. An example of this is Starbuck use as it relates to Foursquare, which is a smartphone application where people check in to location. Starbucks apparently offer a customized Foursquare badge and gave discounts to people that were/are "mayors" of that location. A mayor is the person that has checked in to that place the most. Have you noticed any other places using gamification to attract customers?

In Response to Will Redding

Will posed the question "Do you think a permanent price match guarantee on all products for local competitors and major online competitors is a good strategy for Best Buy? Do you think this policy will help with Best Buy's poor stock performance? "

I think it will ultimately be a good strategy because of how available things are online and the fact that over 75% of electronics are purchased online. The exclusion of eBay makes sense but they are probably the e-place that most places chose over even other online places for the potential to get good deals. I know recently when my laptop charger died, the first place I turned to was the internet in the form of Amazon. I wouldn't know where to even specifically go to find a charger for my specific charger. As much as it is a good idea to offer the service, I don't think it will be too effective because it involves a bit more steps to get the product. If a person is "showrooming", they will first come in to try out the product. If they were to purchase the item, they would have to search the internet for the product and get a refund or something if they find a cheaper priced product on the internet. If they were to just buy it on the internet, it cuts out some of the inconvenience. Do you think there is anything Best Buy can do to improve their stores?