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Smartphones Are Great Bargain Hunting Tools


If you're looking for a bargain this Black Friday, the best deals might be in the palm of your hand.

Edward Fabila is heading into the holiday shopping season armed with his smartphone.

"I know I've saved hundreds of dollars a year by using mobile apps to shop," he says.

To find the best price on an item, he uses Shop Savvy. The app turns his phone's camera into a barcode scanner. In just moments he can see if a product is selling for less online or at nearby stores.

Tech expert Bridget Carey says there are plenty of other apps that can help shoppers save this holiday season.

"Your phone can be the best tool to deal hunt if you are prepared right," she says.

If you're at the mall, the Black Friday survival guide app can tell you where the best deals are.  Need a coupon?  The SnipSnap app has coupons scanned that other users have scanned. If you find one you like a cashier can scan the barcode right off your phone.


Every year more people use their smartphones during the holiday season to find deals.  And more retailers are embracing the technology.

Hundreds of Sears and Kmart stores now offer free Wi-Fi.  And at Best Buy, if you find a better deal at another store or online, the store will match it.

"We'll verify the price that they sell it for and we'll match that price at the register," Sy Paulson with Best Buy says.

Retailers are targeting tech savvy customers for a good reason.  About 70 percent of smartphone owners say they plan to use them when they hit the mall this year.

Major retailers also offer their own apps to consumers with special deals and detailed information about products.