Rutter’s Farm Stores, headquartered in York, Pa., has updated its Web site to provide more benefits to mobile customers.
Web site visitors now can join the new Rutter’s Rewards program; download a free Rutter’s iPhone application or Rutter’s ringtone; connect to Rutter’s presences on Facebook and Twitter; sign up to receive the latest specials and promotions via text message; and view Rutter’s gas pricing provided by GasBuddy.com.
“You still have to visit one of our stores to get the true Rutter’s experience or to eat one of our great sandwiches,” said Jeff Leedy, senior vice president of marketing and chief customer officer of Rutter’s Farm Stores, which operates 56 convenience stores in Pennsylvania. “But the new-and-improved rutters.com will cement the bond that we have with our busy, mobile customers in between their store visits.”
Rutters.com now comprises mini Web sites personalized for each Rutter’s store. Each of the store sites lists GasBuddy-observed gas prices, store hours and features (car wash, for instance), promotions and job openings. Customers can review any store based on six criteria, giving them another way to engage and provide feedback regarding their experience at Rutter’s.
Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter’s Farm Stores, expects that gas-price information will be a big draw. That component was developed through a relationship with GasBuddy Retail Solutions Inc. of Houston. GasBuddy is best known for operating more than 180 regional Web sites in the U.S. and Canada that gather gas prices through a network of volunteer gas-price spotters in each area.
“We at Gasbuddy Retail Solutions are very excited that acknowledged technology innovator Rutter’s is the first major client for our OpenStoreT Social Network Marketing Platform,” said GasBuddy Co-CEO Dustin Coupal.
“The insights and vision of Rutter’s leadership have helped us develop a Rutter’s iPhone and other mobile phone applications that are clearly best of class in the convenience store industry,” added GasBuddy Co-CEO Jason Toews.
For iPhone users, the free Rutter’s application by GasBuddy helps them locate the nearest Rutter’s stores and store-observed gas prices.
“We are excited to see how our customers react to these new technologies and look forward to their feedback as we continue to enhance this fun, full-featured set of Web and mobile applications,” Hartman said.