New apps can help with holiday shopping

PITTSBURGH — Several new smartphone applications are making appearances in the holiday shopping scene this year.

Carter Piel lived out every kid’s dream as he roamed through a big toy store and told Santa what he wanted this year by using Toys R Us’ “Wish List Wizard.”

The app works like a bridal registry. The child scans a toy’s barcode and the toy is added to his electronic wish list.

Duquesne University marketing professor Audrey Guskey told Channel 11’s Katherine Amenta that the key to saving money while shopping is staying organized.

“In a way, your phone can be your digital assistant,” Guskey said.

Another app she recommended was Red Laser.

“In a sense, it’s a price comparison app, but it lines up the product, the prices and lets you know the location of the store,” Guskey said.

In addition, Guskey also mentioned the app Coupon Sherpa – which is a huge database of about 5,000 coupons.

Several customers told Amenta they’re willing to try new things, like apps, to help with shopping.

“Anything that would help get me out of the store faster,” one customer said.

WPXI