Although 2015 has been hailed as the year the Internet of Things becomes successful, and everyone is waiting for new experiences and things, the omnichannel retail revolution has taken hold.
This is a huge market and research in the US has revealed that 75% of Americans visit a shopping mall at least once during a month, 81% choose to shop with a friend and they make one purchase per trip. This results in a spend of $4000 during one year.The question is how do these malls keep customers coming back?
More and more consumers are opting to make use of the internet for purchases. Most shoppers do online research before they purchase products in-store. This new method of purchasing makes customers more discerning and they want more for their money. Not only are they looking for excellent products, but they are also looking for excellent service.
This is where omnichannel retail could transform the world of shopping.
This may result in your normal day’s shopping turning into quite an experience. For example, you may arrive at the mall and an automated car parking attendant views your number plate and recognizes that this is your 10th visit this month, so you allowed to enter free of charge. Once you enter the mall, the data sensors connecting to your smartphone becomes aware that it is your birthday and you are greeted by an attendant with a glass of champagne on hand.You may be returning an item that was not suitable for you and staff are aware of it. Even if they did not have your required item in stock, they would have sourced it from another branch and have it ready for collection when you arrive.
Whilst shopping, you may view a digital catalogue and every item you wish to try on is brought to you by a store attendant. Once you are ready to leave, the items you have bought in-store are taken to the car park for you.
This may all sound unreal, but it is the future of shopping
Shopper profiles are able to be formed from data collected from smartphones and shoppers. This information is used to make your shopping experience more enjoyable, easier and less stressful. The time is approaching when shopping centers will be judged by the interaction they have with the shopper, what they offer and the ease of interactivity within its four walls.
29 APRIL 2015,
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