The retail industry is undergoing a profound transformation. A major trigger for this has been the introduction of interactive retail technology. In this blog post, we’ll explore the exciting future of retail and the pivotal role that the latest retail technology will play in the industry.
Immersive Shopping Experiences
Over the years the retail industry has changed dramatically with its customers expecting more from their shopping experience. Consumers crave engaging, memorable experiences and interactive retail technology has been one of the key drivers that have opened the door to creating more immersive experiences in ways we’ve never seen before.
Video Walls
One of the most impactful technological developments in retail spaces is digital signage and in particular video walls. These large-scale, high-resolution displays create immersive environments that captivate customers the second they enter a store. These dynamic screens are the perfect form of retail technology to convey intricate detail, allowing your audience to feel part of the retail experience and your brand’s story in a way that printed ad campaigns cannot.
Imagine shoppers walking into a sports retail store where an entire wall comes alive with footage of their favourite athletes, wearing the same products they’re about to browse, there is no doubt that it is likely to influence their purchasing decisions.
Augmented & Virtual Reality
AR and VR are topics we recently covered over on our blog, if you’d like to get a better understanding of how this technology works, make sure to check out our previous post.
One of the biggest threats to retailers is the competition from e-commerce sites like Amazon. To fight back, retailers are harvesting the power of AR and VR and it is really changing the perception of shoppers and encouraging them back into stores.
Through the power of AR, customers can now try on clothes without the items being in the physical store, test out makeup without putting it on their skin, or even visualise furniture in their homes without physically touching the products. This not only adds an element of fun and interactivity to shopping but also helps reduce return rates by giving customers a more accurate idea of how products will look in real life.
One brand that used AR particularly well over the years was IKEA. The IKEA Place App was marketed as a way of making it easier to make buying decisions, allowing users to get inspired and try many different products, styles and colours in real-life settings with a swipe of their finger. They could then purchase the products directly through their local IKEA website.
When it comes to VR, it is taking this concept even further by enabling shoppers to walk through entire virtual showrooms and offer virtual product demos. These VR environments allow customers to explore vast product ranges in a compact physical space or even from the comfort of their own homes.
Although VR hasn’t been as popular in retail as AR, one brand that went all in on one of its advertising campaigns was Adidas. To promote TERREX, the brand’s latest line of outdoor gear, Adidas utilised VR to simulate one of the hardest climbs on the Delicatessen route in Punta du Corbi, Corsica. Through VR headsets, users were able to experience virtually climbing the summit. The immersive outdoor experience gave its audience a clearer idea of a climb’s scale and what it entails whilst promoting TERREX.
Personalisation
71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalised interactions, with 76% of consumers getting frustrated when it doesn’t happen.
For retail, engaging with your customers through personalisation will continue to be key in the future.
AI-powered systems can analyse customer behaviour and preferences to offer hyper-personalised product suggestions both online and in-store.
Smart Fitting Rooms
For physical retail stores, smart fitting rooms, equipped with interactive mirrors and touchscreens, can change the way customers try on clothes. These high-tech spaces can remember preferences, suggest sizes based on body measurements, and even allow shoppers to request different items without leaving the room. The result is a more efficient and enjoyable fitting room experience that combines the best of digital and physical shopping in a much more immersive, personalised way.
Self-service Kiosks
Self-service kiosks are another key way to ensure a personalised experience. These interactive retail displays empower customers to access detailed product information, complete their checkout quicker and access information on products and services without personal assistance. For those seeking unique, custom products, interactive kiosks allow customers to design their products, providing an engaging and personalised shopping experience. Not only does this cater to the growing demand for unique, individualised products, but it also creates a memorable retail experience that customers are likely to share with others. Finally, self-service kiosks open the possibility for customers to log in to their own store accounts, allowing retailers to offer personalised discounts based on their previous purchases.
Blending the Online and In-store Experience
The future of retail technology is blurring the lines between online and offline shopping, creating a seamless omnichannel experience.
Connecting to your E-commerce Store
Over recent years retail businesses have been experimenting with adding their website to a touch screen or kiosk within their stores however this often hasn’t driven the desired results for either the customer or retailer.
Companies such as Cloudshelf, have taken this a step forward and created a platform that allows retailers to create engaging in-store experiences.
Cloudshelf connects to the e-commerce store and provides shoppers with optimised in-store digital interactive and display experiences. Through digital kiosks, customers can find, choose and buy the product they want, leaving satisfied. For retailers who often cannot stock the whole product range in their store, this offers a way for them to bring all their products into the store virtually.
Digital Signage
Digital signage plays a crucial role in the future of technology through wayfinding, especially in large stores or shopping centres. Interactive maps and directional signs help customers navigate efficiently, reducing frustration and improving the overall shopping experience.
These digital signs can also be updated in real-time to reflect changes in store layout or to highlight special promotions, adding a dynamic element to the retail environment.
The Future of Retail
Retail as an industry has gone through a wave of change over the last few years but it is clear that it will continue to be even more interactive, immersive, and integrated.
Technologies like video walls, digital signage, and self-service kiosks are not just enhancing the shopping experience; they’re fundamentally transforming how retailers engage with customers and create value.
As these technologies evolve, they will create new opportunities for retailers to engage customers, streamline operations, and create unforgettable shopping experiences. Those who embrace these innovations while maintaining a focus on customer needs will thrive in the retail landscape.
By leveraging interactive technologies thoughtfully, retailers can create seamless, personalised, and engaging experiences that keep customers coming back for more.
In this new era of retail, the stores that will succeed are those that don’t just sell products but offer personalised experiences that are convenient, and memorable. Interactive retail technology is the tool that will make this vision a reality, ushering in a new golden age of retail where the physical and digital worlds merge seamlessly to delight and serve customers in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.
Are You Ready to Take the Plunge into Interactive Technology?
LamasaTech has been a specialist provider of kiosks, digital signage screens and touch screens since 2009. We enable digital transformation, helping retailers to connect with their audiences, digital processes and generate revenue.
We’d love to hear about your project, so get in touch and we’ll help you find the best solution for your requirements.
