Fairchild RMN and Microsoft backed tutch partner to bridge the gap between online and physical retailing

tutch, a digital platform that aims to get in-store customers to spend more, more often, through a connected experience, is partnering with Fairchild RMN, which organises media networks around shopping centres and malls, through its LOCLshop technology.

The pair say that they will create a unified process designed to drive customers into physical stores, beginning with LOCLshop powered texts incentivising them to visit participating locations.

Once inside, tutch’s platform will continue customers’ experiences through self-service screens.

The experience will enable customers to take advantage of personalised offers, discover new products, connect directly with brands, and access every product a retailer has available.

The LOCLshop platform delivers promotional content to over 14 million unique shoppers each month for more than 160,000 stores, 900 malls and 5,000 shopping centres.

Retailers such as Macy’s, Petco, Luxottica and PGA Tour Superstore currently use it.

LOCLshop enhances customers’ experiences at shopping centres and malls by pointing them toward relevant stores with deals that are specifically appealing to them.

It does this through its proximity based media network, which powers hyper-targeted, location-based marketing offers and advertising based on consumers’ purchase history and current location.

“Each of our technologies serve a valuable purpose, but together they create something even bigger: a connected experience that transcends channels and gives retailers far more control over what happens once customers walk past or through their doors,” saus Michael Weaver, CEO at Fairchild RMN.

“Together, we are creating a seamless journey for customers that starts outside of stores, unites them with products they care about in-store, and then equips retailers to continue the relationship with them beyond.”

tutch and LOCLshop will unite their data with the aim of creating a seamless path for potential customers to explore a store they might not otherwise visit.

After receiving a notification that entices them into a store, the customer will continue the experience on one of tutch’s digital platforms, where they can take advantage of the offer they received.

While using tutch, customers are able to quickly access every product the store carries, regardless of whether or not the retailer stocks it in that location.

It will enhance this experience by further showing relevant product recommendations and enabling customers to engage with branded media. All of this aims to improve product discovery and, as a result, increase basket sizes. 

“We believe that if retailers start thinking less about online and in-store channels as at odds, and instead focus on building a continuous relationship with customers no matter where they are, they’ll see a lift overall over the long-term,” says Greg Jones, CEO at tutch.

“Partnering with LOCLShop, we can focus on interactions with customers’ directly before entering stores and once they come inside. From there, retailers will be equipped with insights they can use to continue the relationship with these customers beyond their current shopping trip.” 

The partnership comes shortly after tutch announces its expansion into the US, having established a presence at stores across Australia.