Seven physical retail experiences you need to know about
Don’t believe the online hype. Physical retail is alive and kicking in these coronavirus dominated times as these bricks and mortar innovations prove.
1. Asda
Asda recently emerged triumphant in the Bricks and Mortar Innovation category at the 2020 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The award celebrates retailers who are enabling physical spaces to thrive via innovative technology, even as online shopping continues to grow.
We were looking for examples of reducing friction in the customer journey, offering improved experiences, and blurring the lines between channels.
Asda beat out the likes of Walmart and JD.com to pick up the gong, impressing our judges with its Stevenage innovation store.
Louise Bagshaw, Senior Director of Retail Front End and Innovation at Asda, commented: “With each initiative we have a really clear plan and have an open mindset. With innovation we start small, fail fast and move onto the next project.”
“This gives our colleagues and suppliers a really unique opportunity to try out technology in a live store environment – learning from our customers and store teams along the way.”
2. Walmart
Walmart is set to install micro-fulfilment centres next to and inside select stores.
In some stores, the retailer will also be adding automated pickup points.
“Think of it as the ultimate convenience that allows customers and delivery drivers to drive up, scan a code, grab their order and go,” says Tom Ward, Head of Customer Product for Walmart US.
He adds: “It’s no secret our customers love the speed and convenience of pickup and delivery.”
“These local facilities help unlock our ability to expand even faster to meet their needs today, while also setting a new foundation to serve them in the future.”
“We’re excited about this new chapter for our business and what it means for our customers.”
3. John Lewis
Following a trial, John Lewis & Partners is rolling out 3D visualisation technology from Marxent for home design appointments.
Customers attending either an in-store or virtual appointment will be able to recreate their rooms digitally with the same room dimensions, doors, and windows in a 2D or 3D image.
4. 7-Eleven
7-Eleven is turning the Dallas location of its "luxury" 7-Eleven Evolution Store concept into a "gaming palace" before it opens to the public.
Virtually hosted by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, this goes live on Airbnb.com on 1st February.
To book one of two available one-night stays on Friday, 26th Feb. or Sunday, 28th Feb, people can apply online. Once a booking is approved, each stay costs just $11 and gives gamers all night access to the PlayStation 5 console.
5. Oasis
Imagr's SmartCarts have gone live at an Oasis supermarket store in Nakanoshima, Osaka, Japan.
The intelligent shopping trolley taps computer vision and AI technologies.
Customers can pair their phone with a cart, do their shopping and leave without scanning any barcodes.
6. Ikea
Ikea has opened a “first of its kind” Planning Studio in Singapore.
This is a smaller store where shoppers can find home furnishing advice and expertise to help design their ideal spaces.
“In partnership with LivSpace, we are first in the world to offer our customers complete renovation and interior design services – from planning a space with 3D simulation technology to providing plumbing, electrical, flooring and anything else needed to make home furnishing dreams come true,” the retailer said in a LinkedIn post.
7. Car buying
While the rise of online car shopping began to skyrocket during the coronavirus pandemic, plenty of car dealerships are ready and willing to serve their customers in person.
Online shopping might be convenient for household goods or even a quick wardrobe fix, but buying a vehicle remains a purchase best suited to trying it out in person.
Taking test drives, inhaling that new car smell, and sitting behind the wheel of your next Volkswagen is an in-person experience no one is ready to give up quite yet.
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