Technology-Based Experiences are Driving the Future of Retail
As internet sales continue to skyrocket and stores increasingly struggle to bring customers back into physical spaces, retailers face more and more challenges. Adaptation to technology-based systems is integral to success, and brick-and-mortar stores can no longer go about it the traditional way and expect to survive. They need to change what they offer. They need to go above and beyond being a place that sells, and they need to become a place that offers immersive customer experiences.
Retailers can help dent the shift to online sales by creating experiences that utilize the innovative AV and digital signage technology readily available today. That doesn’t just mean adding an audio system or mounting a ‘television,’ as most retailers have already done. Creating a real experience involves fusing audio, video, displays, lighting, interactivity, and automation together to create a greater whole, a lasting impression that will forever associate the customer with the brand, and keep them coming back for more.
Key Successes to Technology-Based Retail Design
Retailers and store designers need to start asking: how can I utilize the technology available to me to first pull customers into the store? How can technology help me to offer more than just goods to sell?
One example of a successful implementation of signage and AV is in the new Nike Air Jordan store in Toronto. Located on Yonge street – Canada’s busiest avenue – Air Jordan sought to be more than just a place to sell active wear. That was the goal when designing the three-level retail space equipped with an underground kids-only concourse, an industrial-designed retail level, and an upper-level athletic training facility.
Toronto Leads with Technology-Based Experiences
On one of Toronto’s busiest streets, they built a projector-based system that turns four of the space’s eight-foot-tall windows into digital canvases with perforated projection film screens. Starting at sunset, the store exhibits a rotating series of motion projection images and video on the windows, successfully capturing the attention of passersby on the busy retail-packed street.
Inside, Air Jordan created Center 23: a full-service training facility complete with a gym, locker room, and two Jordan Standard games – interactive display-based grid tests that measure each player’s agility level compared to Michael Jordan’s. All visitors can participate for free, and be put to the test with a range of speed, endurance and agility tasks. Each Jordan Standard grid features a fine pixel pitch SiliconCore LED videowall and has its own audio zone, easily controlled by staffers with one Apple iPad Mini, mounted into an adjacent wall. This experience brings visitors in for more than just retail. It’s a unique, brand-associated experience.
Technology-based experiences can be integrated or even hidden in plain sight.
With AV and digital signage, retailers also have the opportunity to create multiple shopping scenarios for their customers; instead of creating one experience,
they can use the same technology used with different content to tell a multitude of stories. Within Best Buy locations across North America. Microsoft decided to create interactive kiosks – and not the traditional kind. Microsoft’s new in-store kiosks are equipped with motion sensors that detect and react. If a customer picks up a Microsoft product, it will display information on that product and offer a demo. It’s versatility and personalized reaction truly takes customization to the next level.
Microsoft also uses these kiosks for training. Their kiosks act as mechanisms that help customers learn how to use Microsoft devices, for free, whenever they’d like to stop in the store. They successfully created a multi-purpose experience in which they are not just trying to sell goods, but they are creating a customized experience for visitors.
It should be noted that, in addition to engaging customers, AV and digital signage helps to streamline internal operations. With the highly customizable technology available today, retailers have the option to choose what best suits them and their staff. For example, technology-based retailers can configure an automation system to turn the lights and audio system on at the start of each day, and turn it off at the store’s closing. The same technology that can create experiences for customers can make everyday operation easier for retailers.
And AV is not just for the biggest retailers. Mid-market and smaller retailers can invest in technology that isn’t necessary over-the-top and doesn’t require a huge investment. Tech that is understated, but memorable, will still leave an impact. It’s all about offering a new reason to come inside.
All retailers need to do is build an experience, unique to their brand – an experience that is impossible to recreate online.
Mark McPherson is the Executive Vice President of Advanced, a leading audio visual, collaboration, and digital signage technology integrator that works with retailers, corporations, government agencies, healthcare, broadcast and educational organizations throughout North America. To learn more visit www.advanced-inc.com.
