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Cell Phone Valet Finds Lost Cars at Mall of America
Anyone who has been to the gigantic Mall of America outside of Minneapolis, MN knows that the only thing bigger than the mall itself is the seemingly endless series of parking lots that enshroud it. After a few hours of frenzied exploration of two and a half million square feet of shopping nirvana spread across four floors, it's easy to understand why every day dozens of shoppers have a hard time remembering just where they left their cars. This holiday season, a text message service has been launched to help people find their way back to their autos.The service relies on a number of small kiosks scattered throughout the parking lots and garages that say "Try our cell phone valet." Parkers send a text message to a five-digit number, and then receive a message indicating just where they parked. It's kind of like writing down your parking location on a piece of paper but, well, who can be bothered to do that?
The service is free, sponsored by Philips, who lately have been trying a number of interesting advertising techniques to raise its brand awareness. Previously, the company sponsored an entire hour of '60 Minutes' to run with minimal commercials. It then did the same for an issue of 'Gourmet' magazine. Just what sort of return they'll see on this investment compared to others is anyone's guess.
All we know is we're sticking to online shopping for our gifts this holiday season.
From textually.org
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Comments
9
Subscribe to commentsLambLion58Nov 27th 2007 3:39PM
This article isn't lying when it says the Mall of America is enshrouded with parking ramps. My husband and I visit there quite often and it can sometimes be a real challenge to not only find a place to park but remember where you are parked as well. What helps is that each ramp is painted a different color and has a name to it for instance the ramp painted green is called the Florida lot and has a picture of an alligator by it posted in different spots in the ramp. Another thing that helps is remembering what floor you were on when you entered the mall and what wing you are in when you get in there. Of course if you are a first timer that doesn't amount to a hill of beans lol hence the need for the phone service.
ascatalNov 27th 2007 5:57PM
i used to livein minnesota and have beeninthe mall of america and seen its huge amount of parking and i think its a brilliant idea and could be easily copied elsewhere such malls, airports and sporting events and amusement parks
daisyNov 30th 2007 8:34PM
You can not pay me to fight crowds and go to a mall this time of year. I forgot how much I hate circling around looking for a parking spot and then forgetting where I parked.
I hate shopping this time of year. I shop online and can wear my pj's, not use gas and a lot of times not pay taxes!
I buy most of my stuff at an online shopping
mall that gives me between 5-55% back in cash on all my purchases.
There are over 1000 stores including Sephora, Apple, The Gap, Target
(great for soo much), Macy's. I also wait for sales so I get my cash
back and the lowest price
http://www.dailyoink.com The site is ugly, but well worth it.
bobNov 30th 2007 9:10PM
all parking areas should have a letter/ number/color system printed right on the pavement...along with ailes identifiable as well...
BARACK OBAMA A WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHINGNov 30th 2007 10:15PM
Barack Obama.. his middle name is HUSSEIN his father and step father are radical muslims.. he grew up overseas and went to muslim schools.. he claims he is not muslim.. but this man will not wear the Flag pin on his lapel.. he will not say the pledge allegiance.. he has been seen looking in disgust during the National Anthem..all these things point out he is a muslim.. and has no respect for our flag.. who would back this guy it makes you wonder what kind american they are..
JoshDec 1st 2007 12:18AM
why go to the mall when u can shop for christmas online, duh, ignorant people i tell ya lol
KaraDec 1st 2007 2:56AM
Before the era of cell phones, we temporarily lost our rental car in the Disney World parking lot. And we almost lost each other while we were looking for it! We had a flight to catch out of Orlando, and luckily we found the car and got to the airport just in time. We didn't have time to top off the gas tank before returning the car, so the rental agency sent us a whopping bill for the gas!
ZipperDec 3rd 2007 6:59PM
This is not the place for dumb wingnut politics, peddle your half truths and lies about Barack Obama, a true American, somewhere else.
EdDec 10th 2007 10:00AM
Wonder how long the directions are?