Tech-savvy shoppers find deals on phone, online

SAN ANTONIO – It's a common sight: grown-ups trolling the toy aisle, smart phone in hand, ready to scan bar codes on hot holiday picks in search of the lowest price.
"I was able to go through and compare Target, Walmart and all the major chains to see who had the best deal," said Target shopper Robin Hayes.
From phones to tablets to laptops, technology is fast becoming a bargain-hunter's best friend.
Price comparison apps like Red Laser, ShopSavvy and Amazon's Pricecheck can save you time and money. On many, you use your phone camera to scan the bar code and the app searches prices of competitors.
Sometimes, the best price is the brick-and-mortar store's own website.
For example, a Furby priced at $59.99 inside Target was $54 at target.com. An iPod Touch that was $299 in the store was $249 on the store's website, and a Canon digital camera was $80 less online. And, shipping was free.
Prices were as of Monday, and are subject to change.
And it's not just Target. Many retailers, including Walmart, Best Buy and Toys r Us have price difference between their stores and their websites, typically run as separate entities.
Shopper Cameron Armstrong said she typically finds the best deals online.
"Always online," Armstrong said. "Look at it at the store and go buy it online."
To deal with scanning and scramming, many of the big retailers will price match in store and online prices, including their own.
Target has even embraced the tech-savvy shopper, putting QR codes on some merchandise.
Shoppers can use QR reader apps to scan them for information.
"It helps them buy instantly. They can also shop it and ship it to family or friends as well," said Victoria Pilat, manger of the Target store on Austin Highway. "If we are out of stock, it shows them what other Target store in San Antonio has it."