1) WAY-FINDING
Way-finding is becoming the killer app for digital signage in retail. You can provide a more intuitive and interactive experience to customers than is possible with a static directory map. Imagine being able to search for an item and being shown exactly where it is in the store, if it is in inventory, and if there are any related specials (e-Coupons). Rather than having a pile of printed flyers, you can use digital signage to create a digital concierge that can advertise specials with context and show the “hot spots” in the store where today’s best deals are.
2) INTERACTIVE PRODUCT DISPLAYS
Many retail outlets have product displays that offer little more than a marketing pitch and do little to help educate consumers and help them along the decision process. As a result, customer do their research elsewhere and come to your store to see if you carry the product they want and what your price is. With digital signage and control systems, you can create an interactive product display that actually helps customers make decisions. An interactive digital sign can display relevant information in the context of the product or products being touched and even provide comparisons information when multiple products are picked up. This same data that drives the content can be used for forecast reporting to compare previous touches to current purchases. Interactive signage can augment the expertise you have in store by providing an easy reference tool for local experts, as well as level the knowledge playing field for the rest of your team. This is important since everyone can’t be an expert on everything.
Many retail outlets have product displays that offer little more than a marketing pitch and do little to help educate consumers and help them along the decision process. As a result, customer do their research elsewhere and come to your store to see if you carry the product they want and what your price is. With digital signage and control systems, you can create an interactive product display that actually helps customers make decisions. An interactive digital sign can display relevant information in the context of the product or products being touched and even provide comparisons information when multiple products are picked up. This same data that drives the content can be used for forecast reporting to compare previous touches to current purchases. Interactive signage can augment the expertise you have in store by providing an easy reference tool for local experts, as well as level the knowledge playing field for the rest of your team. This is important since everyone can’t be an expert on everything.
3) VIRTUAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
Imagine a scenario where a customer is wandering in an aisle getting frustrated because they don’t know which product they need or if what they are trying to do will work. There’s nobody nearby and the customer service desk is at the other end of the store. They walk up to an interactive digital sign and immediately have access to a lot more information than is provided on any packaging, including reviews, how-tos, etc. However, they still have some questions. Right from the sign they can page an expert. They get a message to please wait along with the name and photo of the in-store expert on duty at the time. The expert gets notified within the store and because it came from a specific digital sign, they know what isle the customer is in, as well as, what type of products they are looking at. With voice over IP (VOIP), they can use their radio to tell the customer that they will be right there. When they arrive, if they can’t answer all of the customer’s questions, they can contact your call center, which is in another part of the country, right from the sign and speak with a manufacturer rep. The right digital signage strategy can accomplish all of this.
4) IN-STORE & ONLINE CONVERGENCE
All retail establishments have both an online and brick & mortar presence. In many cases, the two are still woefully separate. Being able to buy online and pick-up at the store or check store inventory online just isn’t good enough anymore. Use digital signage in your stores to create access to the depth of information that is available online but in a new way. Become the place that customers go to first to learn and make purchase decisions, not just a stop at the end for the best price. Because of the dynamic nature of digital signage, you can provide up to the minute product information, including recalls and impromptu promotions for overstocked items.
5) MANNEQUINS & PERSONAL SHOPPERS
Why limit your customer’s imagination to what’s on the mannequin. Use digital signage to create a virtual mannequin that can help customers create a variety of outfits. By scanning an item off of a rack, the digital signage can help recommend the rest of the outfit, show you where the articles are, and if they have your size. If the customer is looking at formal wear, you can offer them a promotion offer at the salon or makeup-counter if that is appropriate.
Imagine a scenario where a customer is wandering in an aisle getting frustrated because they don’t know which product they need or if what they are trying to do will work. There’s nobody nearby and the customer service desk is at the other end of the store. They walk up to an interactive digital sign and immediately have access to a lot more information than is provided on any packaging, including reviews, how-tos, etc. However, they still have some questions. Right from the sign they can page an expert. They get a message to please wait along with the name and photo of the in-store expert on duty at the time. The expert gets notified within the store and because it came from a specific digital sign, they know what isle the customer is in, as well as, what type of products they are looking at. With voice over IP (VOIP), they can use their radio to tell the customer that they will be right there. When they arrive, if they can’t answer all of the customer’s questions, they can contact your call center, which is in another part of the country, right from the sign and speak with a manufacturer rep. The right digital signage strategy can accomplish all of this.
4) IN-STORE & ONLINE CONVERGENCE
All retail establishments have both an online and brick & mortar presence. In many cases, the two are still woefully separate. Being able to buy online and pick-up at the store or check store inventory online just isn’t good enough anymore. Use digital signage in your stores to create access to the depth of information that is available online but in a new way. Become the place that customers go to first to learn and make purchase decisions, not just a stop at the end for the best price. Because of the dynamic nature of digital signage, you can provide up to the minute product information, including recalls and impromptu promotions for overstocked items.
5) MANNEQUINS & PERSONAL SHOPPERS
Why limit your customer’s imagination to what’s on the mannequin. Use digital signage to create a virtual mannequin that can help customers create a variety of outfits. By scanning an item off of a rack, the digital signage can help recommend the rest of the outfit, show you where the articles are, and if they have your size. If the customer is looking at formal wear, you can offer them a promotion offer at the salon or makeup-counter if that is appropriate.
6) TURN YOUR STORE INTO A VIRTUAL TRADESHOW
With the right combination of Digital Signage and Control systems, you can create the same kinds of effects in your retail environment that you see at industry tradeshows. Why not create that kind of buzz everyday in your stores and redefine the shopping experience for your customers?
Thanks for reading!
I Think as the digital signage industry gets better and interactivity gets better disgital signage will save retail by giving the customer an experience.
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