Physical stores are in competition with one another more than ever today. After all, with online stores gradually taking over the retail space, many brick and mortar stores are incorporating technology to take a stronger position in their respective industries while also providing a seamless user experience for their customers. The beauty of technology is that it can be used in a variety of different ways. For instance, they can use it to make it more convenient to shop at the store, to test out new shopping and marketing tactics, and even to be more specific, such as to attract mobile users. However, this is only scratching the surface of all that you can do. Keep reading to learn about real examples of retailers utilizing technology for some inspiration!
Amazon Go: The Automated Checkout
It’s no secret that Amazon has been a big game-changer in the online retail world, but it always plays a significant role in the physical retail world, too. Indeed, with the help of their Amazon Go stores, they have taken shopping in-store to a whole new level. By combining computer vision, deep learning, as well as sensor fusion technology, they have been able to automate how to checkout and pay at a store completely. This way, customers just have to go into a store, select the items that they want, place it in their bag, and then leave without ever having to wait in a line or actually go through the physical check out process as payments are processed through the Amazon Go application. Once we touched a topic of payment, it is important to know the pricing rules which retailers use.
Nike: Speed Shop
Back in 2018, Nike had opened up a flagship shop in New York City that they named “Nike House of Innovation 000”. They took this store up a notch by incorporating digital pieces so that the store experience interactive and very comfortable for consumers. In addition, it boasted customization studios, points of instant checkouts, and a “Speed Shop,” which let shoppers try on shoes that they had reserved online. What’s more, is that there was a separate entrance that customers could go to in order to try on the shoes. There, they would locate a locker that would have their name it, which they could unlock with the help of their phone. They also offer mobile checkout; therefore, they wouldn’t ever have to speak to a salesperson or wait in line in order to make a purchase.
Zara: Self-Checkout
Self-checkouts aren’t anything new, especially amongst supermarkets, but, at the same time, they aren’t used nearly as much as they should! That’s why it was such a game-changer when Zara implemented it into their store. After all, it is more challenging to accomplish because of security tags, among many other aspects. However, Zara was able to make it work, and now customers can easily purchase without having to wait in the lines that they are notorious for.
Target: Mobile Wallet
Back in 2017, Target had introduced its mobile wallet, which made it easier to checkout and make a payment. Indeed, they claim that checking out with the help of the mobile wallet, which you can find inside of the Target application, is four times quicker than when you try to make a payment the regular way. Also, they have made it possible to pay with both credit or Target Red card, while also making it possible to apply various discounts, for instance.
Audi: VR Showroom
Shopping for cars is not what it used to be like thanks to social media and the Internet in general. Therefore, to try to stay on track with today’s advancements, Audi introduced virtual reality into their global showrooms so that the shopping experience is more personalized. Through it, customers are able to create the car of their dreams as they go into details about the outside and the inside of the vehicle. In the showroom, they also offer what they call “Audi Moments” where customers can get a taste of how a pit-stop operates through the Le Mans 24 Hours race. As a result, the buying process is more interactive and fun for everyone!
