FreeCause and CheckPoints Introduce Expanded Way for Consumers to Earn Points While Shopping

BOSTON, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FreeCause and CheckPoints announced today the introduction of an innovative new RewardsBar and eMarket, designed to change the way consumers earn and redeem reward points.  The CheckPoints RewardsBar expands CheckPoints mobile offering into the traditional web space, rewarding users' shopping online and web searches in addition to notification of exclusive discounts. The RewardsBar is integrated with the CheckPoints eMarket, providing users with access to exclusive savings from thousands of top online retailers including Macys, Buy.com, and Staples.

As the world's premier mobile shopper network, CheckPoints engages consumers for interacting with brands in the aisles of stores. Consumers use their phones as a tool to earn loyalty points with no purchase necessary. Upon checking into a store, users are alerted of featured products, and can earn points by locating and scanning those products. CheckPoints is available and works in over a million U.S. retail locations. Featured products are sourced from brand partners including Kimberley Clark, Belkin, Energizer, Kraft, Levi's, Nestle, Proctor & Gamble, and Tyson Foods, among others.

"CheckPoints makes it easy for consumers to earn rewards as part of their daily routine," said Todd Dipaola, President and Co-founder of CheckPoints. "Our partnership with Rakuten's FreeCause expands that value for consumers, who can now earn great rewards from their own homes or offices while they shop online."  

The CheckPoints RewardsBar and eMarket is the most recent launch for FreeCause in the loyalty industry. "Our mission at FreeCause is to create innovative technology that enables consumers to be rewarded for their online activity," said Michael Jaconi, CEO of FreeCause. "CheckPoints is one of the fastest growing loyalty programs in the US and we are thrilled to integrate our technology into their program. Our suite of revolutionary points earning tools will now enable their members to earn CheckPoints for their everyday online search and shopping behavior."

The new CheckPoints RewardsBar and eMarket can found at http://mall.checkpoints.com/download.

About FreeCause

FreeCause is a full service technology and marketing firm that develops and enhances loyalty rewards programs for major brands, airlines, hotels, sports teams and social games. Headquartered in Boston, MA, FreeCause offers a comprehensive portfolio of market-leading technology and expertise that allows organizations to accelerate lasting, profitable relationships with their customers and supporters. With more than 20 million subscribers, the FreeCause advanced loyalty and engagement solutions drive user behavior and strengthen brand loyalty while simultaneously generating new revenue streams for organizations through an extensive network of merchants and partners. FreeCause is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rakuten, Inc. (JASDAQ: 4755).

About Rakuten

Rakuten, Inc. (JASDAQ: 4755), is one of the world's leading Internet service companies, providing a variety of consumer and business-focused services including e-commerce, travel, banking, securities, credit card, e-money, portal & media, online marketing and professional sports. Rakuten is expanding globally and currently has operations throughout Asia, Western Europe, and the Americas. Founded in 1997, Rakuten is headquartered in Tokyo, with over 10,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit http://global.rakuten.com/group.

About CheckPoints

CheckPoints operates the world's largest mobile shopper network, reaching over 15 million shoppers as they make purchase decisions in-store. CheckPoints' consumer engagements deliver brands' messages to shoppers when it matters most - while selecting products to buy - increasing purchase intent more than 400%. CheckPoints powers the successful CheckPoints shopping app with over 1 Million users. Clients include Proctor and Gamble, Unilever, Nestle, Belkin, Energizer, Seventh Generation, and Tyson Foods. For more information, please visit http://CheckPoints.com.

SOURCE FreeCause