Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
In Hardware Retailing‘s May issue, retailers were able to read about trends in technology found at this year’s GlobalShop show in Las Vegas that took place in March.
Technology has become extremely important to consumers, whether it’s browsing headlines on a mobile news app, finding the nearest location of a store, watching on-demand TV or posting to social media. As consumers are embracing more technology in every aspect of their life, they are expecting to see more of it in stores as well. This pairing of technology and in-store merchandising was one of the main focuses at this year’s GlobalShop show. To read “Wired for Retail, 11 In-Store Tech Trends from GlobalShop,” click here.
Below we will feature some of the companies and trends from the story to show retailers how each technology works to help the customer experience.
1. Scala, Inc.
Above, Scala, Inc. showcases two of the digital technology solutions they offer. Consumers or sales associates are able to scan information and pull it up on their mobile devices. From that point they can browse on their device or use Scala Fling to push the information to a larger LCD screen. Above is their “Lift and Learn” display which allows customers to pick up different products to get information or compare items. All of this interactivity is captured in real-time analytics that can be used by retailers. Click here to see a video demonstration.
In addition to the technology above, Scala has also given sales associates an application to better assist customers. Staff can use tablets to pull up product information for customers and help them determine what best fits their needs. Taking it up a notch, the app gives associates the ability to use store lighting to help customers identify where products are in the store. In addition to a sales tool, the app provides store associates and retailers with analytics including interactivity results, store heat maps and time spent in different areas of the store. Click here to see a video.
2. Perch Interactive
Perch Interactive, an interactive design firm, also builds interactivity into their vertical displays. Watch this video to see how the display above comes to life with photos, information and videos to help the customer become more aware of the brand and make better purchasing decisions.
Boost the customer experience by transforming any white table into a customer-activated display. Click here to watch this video on a special made in America project that Perch completed.
3. GestureTek
GestureTek, a gesture control technology company, shows how The Cube™ projects an interactive display onto a wall or floor, allowing customers to interact with it. Click here to see a video of a project they completed for Benjamin Moore.
4. RobotBase
Give sales associates or retailers an extra hand with a personal robot. RobotBase has developed a solution that can greet shoppers, answer questions, show product or DIY videos and even guide customers to an area in the store. Click here to see a video of this robot in action.
