Today's shopping is as likely to take place in front of a monitor as it is in an actual store.

That includes smartphones, which are quickly becoming a go-to resource for savvy shoppers.

Major retailers and even smaller stores are using their apps to keep customers up-to-date on coupons, specials, sales and special events.

Apps not affiliated with any particular store can do that as well, keeping all the major store details in one place for shoppers. Here's a few of them:

SnipSnap Coupons

With Snip Snap, there‘s no need for actual paper coupons. SnipSnap lets users snap photos of coupons for later use.  You can also browse the coupons of other users. There are more than 1.1 million coupons on the site. It’s available for both iOS and Android.

SaleSorter

Before getting in line, it’s helpful to determine which stores have the best deals. The SaleSorter app uses your smartphone’s location to show which discounts are currently available at your local stores. SaleSorter uses a map to show you where the deals are. It also includes store hours and contact info. Call and see how the lines are, before you make the trek to the mall. SaleSorter is available on iOS.

Shopkick

Shopkick is a must-have for discount-shoppers. Even if you don’t purchase anything, Shopkick will reward you for stopping by. Get points, or “kicks,” whenever you walk into a store. Redeem them for gift certificates at stores like Tiffany’s and American Eagle Outfitters. Finally, window shopping pays off. Big spenders get even more kicks. The app uses your location to show which stores are participating. Get 200 kicks for walking into Macy’s. It only takes 100 kicks to redeem a new mascara. The best Black Friday deals are the freebies. This app is available on iOS and Android.

ShopAdvisor

ShopAdvisor is perfect for people who already know what they want, but are hoping to buy it at the right price. Scan the barcode of your favorite product and ShopAdvisor will put it on your “watch list,” alerting you when the agoes on sale. It charts price history and finds the best deal at a nearby location. Set price alerts to be notified once that bag is under $100. ShopAdvisor does all the price research so you don’t have to. It is available on iOS and Android.

eBay Now

eBay Now is the best thing to happen to last minute shoppers. eBay Now is offering free same-day delivery from nearby stores. Use the app to purchase items retailing at local brick-and-mortars. Like online shopping, there’s no need to wait in line to purchase your items. Unlike online shopping, there’s no need to wait for the products to ship. Just sit back, relax, and the app will notify you when the “valet” is on their way. This app is available on iOS and Android.

Courtesy: AP/Forbes