Retailers moving beyond tracking your online search and shopping habits. Now some of your favorite stores are following you down the aisles, literally.
According to Kiplinger, the largest chains use beacons. They connect to your phone's Bluetooth signal. Why? A store may see that you are near the shoe department and if you've purchased shoes there before they may target you with an ad or coupon using the store's app on your phone.
Some retailers can track you outside the store with GPS. If you're near a competitor they might send you an ad or coupon to lure you back to them instead.
Target shopper Vanetta says for her the tracking is worth it if it involves her saving money or getting a coupon out of the deal.
Customers can avoid being tracked. Just shut off the WiFi and Bluetooth connections. You can also avoid the stores app and loyalty or rewards programs.
