America runs on Apple apps

Retailers are all about offering free apps for the iPhone and iTouch these days. Here's how Dunkin' Donuts and Whole Foods Market are getting in on the action:

Dunkin’ Donuts' "Dunkin’ Run" app aims to make it easier for customers to
place group orders. Since some consumers go on coffee runs during the work
day to get coffee for themselves and colleagues, the app is designed for easy pre-orders and pickups at their nearest location.

Whole Foods Market also launched an Apple app that allows iPhone and iPod touch users to browse its entire selection of over 2,000 online recipes.

Searchable by ingredient, special diets and other elements such as "budget" and "family friendly," each recipe contains detailed preparation instructions and nutritional information, which can be copied and pasted, saved as a personal "favorite" and e-mailed from within the app itself.

Built with the new iPhone OS 3.0 software, the app also comes with a store locator, where customers use a ZIP code search or the iPhone's built-in location finder to view maps and identify their nearest Whole Foods Market. Each store page contains operating hours, phone and address, store specials, directions and links to maps. And the reviews at the iTunes Apple store have been pretty strong so far.

These apps are all about making life easier for shoppers. I love it.