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Latest in Shopping Tech

Discover stories about smart shops and innovative online stores revolutionizing the shopping industry. We cover stories that utilize technology, blending online convenience with in-store tangibility for a seamless hopping experience.

Metaverse or Metahype?

Metaverse or Meta-hype? The Reality Future Lab Project X(R) team weighs in.

April 6, 2023

It seems everyone these days is imagining exploring a realm where shopping meets science fiction - the "metaverse". A world where commerce is not limited…

It seems everyone these days is imagining exploring a realm where shopping meets science fiction - the "metaverse". A world where commerce is not limited to the physical but expands into a futuristic digital universe and back again. The reality is experiences like these are nothing new. Digital explorers and pioneers have been embarking on journeys that explore the possibilities of this concept, which bends the minds of mere mortals, for decades.   We recently discussed this topic with the brilliant minds of the Future Lab XR team within Reality Interactive, who are pushing the boundaries of technology through their Project…

“Consumers seek frictionless experiences in a world of disruptions”.

“Consumers seek frictionless experiences in a world of disruptions”

February 27, 2023

PwC recently published the findings of their latest Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey, which was conducted in December 2022 among 9,180 consumers across 25 territories. …

PwC recently published the findings of their latest Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey, which was conducted in December 2022 among 9,180 consumers across 25 territories.  The overarching message? While consumers are still concerned about inflation, they’re keen to return to their pre-pandemic lifestyle, and they have rising expectations on how and where they should be able to shop.  Below we summarize some key findings from the survey:  How behavior will change over the next 6 month:  96% of consumers intend to adopt some type of cost saving behavior over the next 6 months:  43% of consumers said they plan to…

3 challenges facing retailers today

3 Challenges Facing Retailers Today, and the Strategies Helping to Overcome Them

January 26, 2023

Retailers have always faced continuous challenges of increasing sales, maintaining brand loyalty, and delivering an exceptional customer experience. Today specific challenges outside of their control…

Retailers have always faced continuous challenges of increasing sales, maintaining brand loyalty, and delivering an exceptional customer experience. Today specific challenges outside of their control have forced retailers to get more creative and explore new options to win at the retail game.  Here, we explore just three of those challenges, and some of the strategies that retailers are utilizing to face them.  Staffing shortages = more self service technology in-store.  Whether it’s hiring or retention, the volume has been turned up on the staffing challenges retailers face, especially for temporary seasonal holiday workers. Warehouse jobs are posing competition to retailers…

5 perspectives to inspire you for 2023

5 perspectives to inspire you for 2023!

December 29, 2022

With 2023 around the corner, we take a moment to get inspired by leaders who are daring to innovate, creating great experiences, and leading the…

With 2023 around the corner, we take a moment to get inspired by leaders who are daring to innovate, creating great experiences, and leading the way.  On Planning Backwards: “By thinking five to 10 years out and then “playing the movie backward,” you free yourself from the constraints of what is possible now. You can envision year 10 and then figure out what has to happen in year nine, year eight, and so on for the vision to become reality.” Stéphane Bancel, CEO, Moderna On earning your customer’s trust: “Our brands—Nike, Converse, Jordan Brand and Hurley—are loved by customers all…

The Future of Retail in 2023

The Future of Retail – What to Watch for in 2023

November 30, 2022

With the end of year fast approaching, we take a look at what industry experts are projecting for retail trends next year.  Let’s get Phygital:…

With the end of year fast approaching, we take a look at what industry experts are projecting for retail trends next year.  Let’s get Phygital: Get used to hearing this catch phrase - coined to capture the idea of seamlessly integrating a physical and digital customer journey. If you are familiar with Reality, you have heard us mention the much more appropriate Customer Driven Retail. With customer loyalty up for grabs (a third of customers reporting to be willing to leave a brand after just one bad experience), retailers are working on meeting customers where they are, and giving them…

3 ways technology will play a part in helping engage consumers this holiday season

3 ways technology will play a part in helping engage consumers this holiday season

October 28, 2022

If the research is right, retailers should anticipate this holiday season to start earlier and be bigger than the last. In fact, Deloitte’s annual holiday…

If the research is right, retailers should anticipate this holiday season to start earlier and be bigger than the last. In fact, Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast predicts holiday sales will increase by 4-6% this year - with 70% of consumers starting shopping before Thanksgiving.  As a critical time for retailers, many brands are exploring new models and technologies to both reach new customers, and harness a whole new level of engagement with existing ones. From Virtual Parties and introducing digital assets into their retail mix, to metaverse type AR Experiences and events, we explore what brands are considering this…

Have you merged your ecommerce, brand, and retail marketing teams yet?

Brick and Mortar is Dead

August 30, 2022

Ok, now that I have provided a much-needed jolt to get your attention I will clarify what I mean with this dangerously bold, trope of…

Ok, now that I have provided a much-needed jolt to get your attention I will clarify what I mean with this dangerously bold, trope of a statement. Physical retail is far from dead. If approached effectively with powerful digital solutions, physical retail can be massively impactful for brands who rethink the way they do things, and how they engage with customers. But the term ‘Brick and Mortar’ is more outdated than an 8-track. Bricks and mortar are used to build walls, but customers want their purchase journey to be one seamless experience, whether that be physical, digital or both. We…

BMW Visualizer Tools

Visualizer tools give BMW dealerships a 78% increase in conversion

June 23, 2022

Design that drives desire: Visualizer tools give BMW customers and dealerships the power to accessorize any BMW, anywhere. The challenge To increase sales and conversions by…

Design that drives desire: Visualizer tools give BMW customers and dealerships the power to accessorize any BMW, anywhere. The challenge To increase sales and conversions by letting clients customize their own vehicles with virtual accessories. In order to craft an international solution, the team had to overcome the challenge of a highly complex data set, imagery, and models in multiple languages, as well as country-specific codes and options. Finally, three-dimensional models had to be created and put through an extensive QA process due to the complexity of options and interdependencies. The solution We began with the best tech in the industry…

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Kiosk Downtime Disaster? Strategies for Maximum Uptime and Customer Satisfaction in Kiosks and Digital Displays

In the world of digital retail transformation, touchscreen kiosks, and digital signage have become game-changers, offering self-service convenience, reduced wait times, and the potential to boost sales. However, a malfunctioning kiosk or digital display can quickly turn a positive customer experience into a frustrating one. Recent studies show that 61% of customers who encounter a kiosk outage express dissatisfaction with the brand, and 37% are less likely to return to that store.  This potential for downtime disaster highlights the critical importance of maximizing uptime for your in-store technology. Here are some key strategies to keep your touchscreen kiosks, digital signage, and other digital solutions running smoothly and your customers happy: Prioritize Preventive Maintenance for In-Store Technology: Don’t wait for a

How to Captivate and Engage Customers with Interactive Digital Kiosks

Keeping customers engaged can be challenging. With the rise of online shopping, brick-and-mortar retailers need to find innovative ways to enhance the in-store experience and drive foot traffic. One effective solution is the use of digital kiosks, which offer a range of benefits for both customers and retailers. A recent study has found that 74% of shoppers prefer stores with interactive kiosks, demonstrating a strong appetite for this technology. However, simply installing kiosks is not enough to ensure their success. Retailers must also focus on strategies to keep customers engaged with these interactive tools. Here are some tips to help retailers maximize the potential of in-store digital kiosks: Promote awareness Make sure customers are aware of the kiosks and their

A Guide for Success When Partnering with a Digital Technology Firm

Setting your organization up for success when collaborating with a firm to solve complex problems with innovative digital technology solutions. Navigating the intricate landscape of modern business requires strategic collaborations, particularly with digital technology firms. These partnerships are instrumental in driving innovation and propelling growth, providing organizations access to specialized expertise, resources, and capabilities essential for tackling complex challenges and seizing new opportunities. To ensure a fruitful partnership journey, it’s crucial for organizations to lay a strong foundation and adopt a strategic approach. Here’s an in-depth guide to ensure your organization is well-prepared to embark on a successful partnership with a digital technology firm. Understanding the Problem and Setting Expectations: Before embarking on a partnership journey with a digital technology

Revolutionizing Retail Experiences with Extended Reality

In the realm of retail innovation, Project X(R) stands as a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering cutting-edge solutions. Developed by the Extended Reality team at Reality Interactive, Project X(R) is a groundbreaking initiative that harnesses the power of Extended Reality to revolutionize how retailers engage with their physical spaces. Project X(R) was born out of a visionary drive to redefine the way retailers visualize and interact with their store environments. Fueled by a desire to streamline processes and enhance communication, our team created a solution that would offer an immersive, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of in-store planning and marketing material visualization. Reality Interactive collaborated with Spectrum to create a fully customized 3D Virtual Store.

Why your Digital Signage isn’t Turning Heads

In a bustling city where every storefront competes for attention, imagine a world where your digital signage isn’t just part of the background noise, but a captivating spectacle that draws crowds and leaves a lasting impression. We’ve all witnessed the power of digital communication, yet if your signage isn’t turning heads, it’s time to unravel the mysteries behind its underperformance. In this article, we will go over how to transform your signage from a mere display to an irresistible magnet that captures attention and sparks curiosity.  1. Content Is King: Quality Over Quantity One of the primary reasons digital signage may fail to engage is lackluster content. If your content doesn’t resonate with your target audience, it won’t capture attention.

How to measure ROI in Digital Signage Initiatives – Unveiling Key Performance Indicators, Metrics, and Strategies to Measure Success

Businesses are increasingly turning to digital signage as a potent tool for communication, advertising, and brand enhancement. However, determining the return on investment (ROI) from these initiatives demands a nuanced approach that goes beyond traditional financial metrics. ROI measurement in digital signage necessitates an understanding of its multifaceted impact, including audience engagement, message effectiveness, and contribution to overarching business goals. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the process of quantifying ROI in digital signage campaigns. By unraveling the essential components of ROI measurement, including objective setting, identification of key performance indicators (KPIs), and strategic evaluation methodologies, this guide equips organizations with the tools to gauge success effectively. Moreover, it provides insights into optimizing future strategies, leveraging data-driven insights, and ensuring

The Evolution of Digital Signage: From Static to Interactive Experiences

In the dynamic landscape of marketing and customer engagement, the evolution of digital signage has undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from static displays to interactive and immersive experiences. This progression has not only reshaped the way businesses communicate with their audience but has also revolutionized the concept of customer engagement. Gone are the days when digital signage merely served as static billboards or screens displaying repetitive content. Today, the integration of interactivity has taken center stage, offering a two-way communication channel between businesses and their consumers. The Impact of Interactivity on Customer Engagement: The infusion of interactivity within digital signage has opened doors to unparalleled opportunities. It has transcended the passive viewing experience into one that encourages active participation and

What Makes Impactful Retail Experiences, and Who is Doing it Right?

In the wake of the pandemic, a seismic shift has transformed the landscape of retail. The traditional motivations driving customers to retail locations have undergone a profound evolution. Pre-pandemic, visits to brick-and-mortar stores primarily centered around functional needs—an efficient means to acquire necessary goods. However, the pandemic accelerated the digital era, offering consumers the convenience of purchasing almost everything they need from the comfort of their homes, often with rapid delivery within 24 hours. This newfound convenience redefined the purpose of physical retail spaces. With the boundaries between work, home, and leisure blurred, people found themselves predominantly living, working, and dining within their homes. Consequently, the allure of retail locations shifted from mere functional necessity to a desire for social

Las Vegas: Digital Signage, History and Emerging Trends

Las Vegas stands as an iconic epicenter for the evolution and innovation of digital signage technology. Renowned for its vibrant entertainment, luxury resorts, and bustling hospitality, the city has been at the forefront of embracing digital displays. Over the years, Las Vegas has witnessed a remarkable transformation, integrating cutting-edge digital signage across casinos, hotels, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. This evolution has not only enhanced guest experiences but has also set the stage for pioneering trends and redefining engagement and interaction within these dynamic spaces.   History of Digital Signage in Las Vegas: The history of digital signage in Las Vegas showcases its early embrace within the extravagant displays of renowned casinos like the MGM Grand and The Venetian, leading

Understanding Digital Signage: What is it? How Does it Work? What are the Benefits? 

In the dynamic realm of contemporary business strategies, one tool stands out for its transformative impact on communication: digital signage. This innovative solution has swiftly gained prominence, reshaping how businesses connect with their audiences across industries. Digital signage, a network of electronic displays showcasing multimedia content, offers a dynamic platform to engage customers, elevate brand visibility, and streamline communication.  Understanding Digital Signage  Digital signage refers to a network of electronic displays that showcase multimedia content such as images, videos, streaming media, and interactive information. These displays can be found in diverse settings like retail stores, corporate offices, educational institutions, restaurants, transportation hubs, and many more. Unlike traditional static signs, digital signage leverages digital screens that can be remotely controlled, updated,

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