Ukrop’s joins iPhone nation with UCook app

Planning a trip to Ukrop's just got a bit easier for iPhone users.

The Henrico County-based grocer is part of a network of supermarket retailers that are included in a new iPhone app by UCook.com.

The Grocery Shopping Network, a Minneapolis-based marketing firm, owns Ucook. The site keeps a database of recipes and allows shoppers to print coupons.

GSN also works with Ukrop's and other chains in the network to pinpoint specials based on shopper habits and brand preferences. Loyalty-card users who log in to the grocer's Web site have a list of discounts tailored specifically to them, and they are notified of additional sales at the store that could be of interest to them.

The iPhone app, which is in its early stages, isn't that sophisticated yet, said Albin Andolshek, vice president of communications for GSN.

The app has an interactive recipe database, digital weekly specials and a "savings center" that allows shoppers to create shopping lists and print coupons.

Shoppers with the app punch in their ZIP codes and are pointed to the nearest Ukrop's. They can then view a list of every product on sale. They also can create a shopping list or e-mail themselves, or others, information on the products and sales.

Andolshek said future versions of the app will be able to better tailor specials for individual shoppers.

Contact Louis Llovio at (804) 649-6348 or .