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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.

AI in Action: 5 Retail Brands Elevating Brick-and-Mortar Experiences

AI in Action: 5 Retail Brands Elevating Brick-and-Mortar Experiences

April 24, 2024

Today, brick-and-mortar retailers face the challenge of staying relevant and competitive to consumers. Many forward-thinking brands are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the traditional…

Today, brick-and-mortar retailers face the challenge of staying relevant and competitive to consumers. Many forward-thinking brands are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the traditional in-store shopping experience. From enhancing customer service to optimizing inventory management, AI is revolutionizing brick-and-mortar retail in exciting ways. Here are five retail brands at the forefront of this AI-driven revolution: Walmart: As one of the world's largest retailers, Walmart has been an early adopter of AI technologies to enhance its brick-and-mortar operations. One notable application of AI at Walmart is its use of autonomous robots for inventory management. These robots roam store aisles, scanning…

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…

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

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 holiday season.  Virtual Pop-Up stores: The concept of a pop up store isn’t new, however the trend of expanding to

Reality Interactive welcomes Michael Esser, seasoned business development executive, to the team.

We are excited to announce that Michael Esser will join the team as Business Development Manager.  ​Michael Esser is a results-driven business development executive with over a decade of hands-on marketing, communications, public affairs and public relations insights in the high-intensity agency environment.  Michael brings his experience in project management, client management, media pitching, digital engagement, strategic message development, political strategy, government relations, production and a wide range of customer engagement tactics to the team. He has also been involved in the creation of impactful placements for US national campaigns that reach strategic demographics to change public opinion and increase revenue outcome – offering a unique, insightful perspective, Michael will lead our business development efforts as we grow into new

3 Retail Brands Building Metaverse Experiences in Roblox

The news of major retail brands creating metaverse experiences are becoming more frequent. Roblox – a digital space where people can play, learn and communicate in a world that is user-generated- has been the choice platform of some major retailers relatively recently. Almost 47 million gamers use Roblox daily for socializing and creating new experiences and the platform hosts more than 24 million experiences for users.  Here, we take a look at 3 retail brands who are partnering with Roblox to include the metaverse as part of their retail strategy.  Nike’s Nikeland: With the goal of turning sport and play into a lifestyle, Nike created a metaverse space called “Nikeland” in Roblox. Always at the forefront of digital transformation, the

Brick and Mortar is Dead

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 have all spoken in nauseam over the past 2+ years regarding the acceleration of digital adoption rates because of the

Visualizer tools give BMW dealerships a 78% increase in conversion

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 and used that to create a scalable foundation capable of providing the ultimate shopping tool. Then, we took a mobile-first

Digital Transformation – A Perspective From Your Support Team.

An essential part of any project is keeping things running and live in the field – whether that be a retail store, a restaurant, or another environment A project’s success or failure may depend on many things, but it ultimately relies on whether the project is live and working in the field. The greatest idea or intention can fail if technical issues keep it from working as intended. You only have a moment to gain customer’s trust. People may or may not notice when things work, but they certainly recognize when things don’t – having a negative impact on your brand or experience. Here, we go behind the scenes and talk to our support staff to learn more about their

How to pick a digital signage partner (3 things you need to know)

There are many benefits to having digital signage in your store including: Increased purchasing decisions by up to 33% Driving traffic (8/10 customers have entered a store because of a digital sign catching their interest!) The ability to quickly changing content throughout the day with automated day parting Whether you’re thinking about investing in digital signage for the first time or looking to switch digital signage partners, there are a few things you need to consider before choosing your digital signage partner. Content Management Systems A content management system (CMS) is very important to the success of your digital signage. You need a partner who’s CMS can allow you to schedule your content in advance, upload menus in real time

5 Factors to Consider for a Successful Digital Transformation

Due to the pandemic many businesses have had to execute digital transformation strategies overnight to keep up with changing regulations, consumer adoption rates, and even to survive.   So, what makes a successful digital transformation? Here, we’ll explore 5 main areas to take into consideration.   1. People People play an important part in the role of digital transformation – whether it’s a trusted partner you are working with to turn your needs into set requirements and help build performance metrics of success, or your employees who are being asked to adopt a different way of working, people can make or break the success of your endeavor. Take the time to bring your employees with you on your digital transformation

What is Digital Transformation?

Digital transformation is the holistic process by which an organization evolves using digital technologies. With the goal being redefining and bettering themselves while trying to give their customers unique, personalized ways to shop their brand. Digital transformation is a continuous cycle and not a one off solution. Technology, and customer buying behaviors are always evolving. Companies need to adapt to these changes for the sake of their customers and to ensure continued success.  The pandemic accelerated the need for brands to execute digital transformation strategies overnight because of a staggering increase in digital shopping adoption rates. Companies that had digital transformation strategies planned for future years had to implement them in mere months.   Digital transformation strategies examples include:  Moving from

World’s Leading Home Improvement Retailer Battling COVID-19 Impact with AXSIS™

Reality Interactive deployed 6,000 AXSIS™ in just under 8 weeks to one of the world’s leading home improvement retailers. Showing that the AXSIS™ device is exactly what employers are looking for to get the job done when it comes to keeping people safe in 2022 and beyond. Companies are searching for ways to ensure they can safely keep their business thriving, while they face ever changing regulations and many states pushing towards businesses requiring SMART Health Card scanning.  The AXSIS™ device is a proprietary thermo-scanner and data hub that provides a 100% contactless body temperature check in just seconds. This level of real-time, accurate data capture not only helps keep the workforce and customers safe, but also gives management a

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