Grocery and department store retailer Soriana will offer free wifi to customers in its more than 800 stores across the country, a process that will be completed by the end of the year.

The wireless connectivity is provided by the Texas-based connectivity solutions firm WaveMax, which specializes in providing shared wifi networks.

Through the firm’s patented SharedFi technology, shoppers at any Soriana store in Mexico will be able to go online after downloading an app.

The system will give the Monterrey-based retailer a new opportunity to offer its products: the free internet access is provided in exchange for receiving targeted and personalized ads.

The app will also allow Soriana to gather data related to its customers’ shopping habits, enabling it to have more significant and intelligent interactions with customers.

Retailers in Mexico are steadily doing more to increase their online presence and capitalize on the growing e-commerce market. Early this year, Walmart México announced it would install free wifi in its Supercenter, Superama, Sam’s Club, Bodega Aurrera and Mi Bodega Aurrera stores.

Source: El Economista (sp), Merca 2.0 (sp)