Development and implementation of the Shopper mobile application that allows you to shop without leaving your home.

Project facts

Project promoter:
MAŁGORZATA LECHICKA-OWCZAREK TARGET(PL)
Project Number:
PL-INNOVATION-0066
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€176,023
Final project cost:
€248,763

Description

Our activities include marketing, advertising and educational activities for children. As we searched for new areas of activity and observed demographic changes taking place in Poland, we decided to expand our current activities into the area of support for seniors. The project includes the development and implementation of an innovative Shopper mobile application and platform, which will make it possible to shop in small grocery stores without leaving home. The system will be based on blockchain technology to increase convenience and security. It will be designed to be user-friendly for senior citizens, the disabled and the sick. They will no longer have to walk to the store and carry heavy bags.

Two versions of the application will be launched: for individual customers and shop owners. Shopper will allow the customer to shop online from any (connected to the system) store in the immediate neighbourhood. The application will only display offers from local stores, e.g. within a 5 km radius, which have the Shopper application installed. Shopper will also help owners of small, often family-run stores that do not belong to any retail chain to manage their business. With our innovative solution stores that do not have a website and do not offer online sales will be able to make their mark on the web.

The project will include advisory costs for the development of innovations as well as implementation costs consisting in the purchase of services such as: the development of a mobile application for customers (individuals and enterprises), the development of a database with API services for the mobile application and web application, the development of a web application for institutional and individual customers.

Summary of project results

The Szoper.app is designed to enable shopping from the comfort of home, especially in small, local stores. The target group for the project includes seniors, disabled people, and individuals who are not self-sufficient. The aim of the project is to improve the quality of life for people in the target group, who are at risk of social exclusion.

The project has a strong social aspect, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has isolated many older people. Having groceries delivered by friendly neighbors, youth, or store employees can contribute to reducing the feeling of isolation among seniors, promoting their social integration. It may also strengthen intergenerational contacts.

Additionally, the Szoper.app project aims to:

  • Increase Service Accessibility: Provide access to a wide range of products from local stores, which are often not available in large retail chains and may better meet the individual needs and preferences of users.
  • Support Independence: Facilitate daily living for those who, for various reasons, have limited ability to shop independently, giving them a tool to maintain independence and self-reliance.
  • Promote Sustainable Development: Encouraging the use of local stores supports sustainable development and contributes to the reduction of carbon footprint through shortening supply chains.
  • Build Local Communities: The project has the potential to create stronger social bonds by engaging local volunteers and neighbors in the delivery process, which can contribute to revitalizing cooperation among community residents.
  • Digital Education: Szoper.app is also an educational platform that can help seniors and other users acquire skills in using modern technologies, which is crucial for their integration into the digital world.

The Szoper.app project responds to the need for creating social and economic inclusion in a way that combines tradition with modernity, opening doors to a more independent and fulfilled life for seniors and other social groups.

Over the past three years, we have been diligently working on developing the Szoper.app, aimed at facilitating shopping from home, especially in small, local stores. Our intention was to create a tool that would, in the future, simplify daily life for seniors, disabled individuals, and other groups at risk of social exclusion.

During this process, we collaborated with various companies and a research and development unit, sought consultations from experts in the senior market, and participated in meetings addressing the issues faced by older people. These meetings, both with seniors and during workshops, allowed us to directly discuss our idea and the application with the target group. We listened carefully to their feedback and suggestions, which was invaluable to the project''s development.

So far, the Szoper.app has been implemented in one store, marking an important step forward but also making us aware that there is still a long journey ahead. The popularization of the app is a process that takes time, especially when facing the challenge of acquiring stores willing to cooperate.

Clarification of Goals and Process:

  • Market Adaptation: We understand that achieving the theoretical goals of the app, such as improving the quality of life for the elderly or supporting local economies, requires continuous adaptation to changing market conditions and openness to feedback.
  • Future Strategy: Our priority is to develop a strategy for acquiring new commercial partners and building brand awareness among potential users to maximize the reach and effectiveness of the app.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: We plan to implement a monitoring and evaluation system that will allow us to collect and analyze feedback from users and partners. This will enable us to adjust the app''s functionalities to meet user needs continually.
  • Collaboration and Development: We are open to collaboration with social organizations, institutions, and other entities interested in supporting our project, which could contribute to achieving the set goals more quickly.

In summary, the Szoper.app is an ambitious project that has the potential to significantly impact improving shopping accessibility for those in need of support while promoting local entrepreneurship. We are fully aware of the challenges ahead but are committed to pursuing our mission.

The Szoper.app project is an innovative initiative with a profound social dimension, primarily aimed at seniors and disabled individuals.

Innovation and Social Dimension:

Szoper.app stands out in the market through the integration of modern technology with daily shopping, focusing on small, local shops, and a unique approach to distribution. The project gained significance, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which isolated many elderly individuals. The ability to have groceries delivered by friendly neighbors or store employees has the potential to reduce the feeling of isolation among seniors and promote social integration.

Unique Challenges and Market Potential:

Despite challenges such as increased competition in the e-commerce market and difficulties in acquiring stores, Szoper.app maintains its unique value by focusing on serving local businesses. The project responds to a significant potential for a solution that combines the convenience of online shopping with the personal involvement of small shops, attracting not only seniors but also other customers who value local community and personalized approach.

Further Development and Educational Value:

The development of the Szoper.app project may require adaptation to changing market conditions, which could include seeking new marketing and distribution strategies. Educating seniors on the use of modern technology and providing support in this process is crucial for the project''s success.

Additional Aspects:

The Szoper.app project increases product accessibility, supports sustainable development of local communities, allows for the personalization of store offerings, improves shopping safety, and creates opportunities for further technological development. These aspects emphasize the project''s comprehensive approach to solving social, economic, and environmental problems, enhancing its value and significance for a broad range of beneficiaries.

In summary, Szoper.app has many strengths, especially in terms of social impact and innovation. However, success in the competitive e-commerce market will require continuous adaptation and possibly an expansion of the scope of activity.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.