Mall deal gives big boost to cell-phonoe coupons

NEW YORK (AP) — The nation's biggest mall operator is teaming up with a Silicon Valley startup to reward smart-phone-equipped shoppers for walking into its shopping centers.

The partnership between Simon Property Group and technology company Shopkick Inc. is a big step in realizing retailers' long-held dream of using cell phones to beam ads and coupons to people passing by to convert them into buyers.

Simon is launching the program by the end of the month with Shopkick in 25 malls in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. Separately, four retailers including Macy's Inc. and electronics chain Best Buy Inc. try out the technology at the same time.

Shopkick's app for iPhones and Android phones tells retailers when shoppers are in stores.