Zukunftsraum (Future Space) concept store in Kiel, Germany showcases future of digital signage in retail

Sony and xplace are supporting a Zukunftsraum (Future Space) concept store in Kiel, Germany with display and retail signage.

The Zukunftsraum is a pilot project by Kiel-Marketing that is subsidised by federal funds, offering traditional, bricks and mortar retailers a platform for digitalisation. Helly Hansen is using the concept and the digital infrastructure for a pop-up store - the outdoor and sailing brand's first own store in Germany.  

Sony is equipping the 220 square metre pop-up store with 11 Sony BRAVIA Professional Displays, including the 98-inch flagship model FW-98BZ53L.  

Sony partner xplace installed the BRAVIA Professional Displays and used BEECEEN, its own content management system (CMS) for digital signage, on the displays in the sales area. Sensor-based solutions such as Lift & Learn or Place & Learn technologies are also used. The displays build a visual and interactive bridge between analogue and digital retail worlds, convey brand messages and offer customers support in the store when making a purchase decision.  

“Our solutions digitalise the customer approach at the Point of Sale and are designed to accompany bricks and mortar retail into a secure and unique future. At Zukunftsraum Kiel, we have Sony onboard as a partner whose technological expertise is demonstrated by its outstanding signage displays," says Christian Flohr, Brand Ambassador for xplace GmbH and responsible for Partner Management at xplace.  

“We are offering a window into the future of shopping that invites people to take a constructive and critical look at the possibilities of using technology in retail. As an innovative retail test space, the Zukunftsraum creates room for flexible retail models, data driven optimisation and experiential shopping. This is not possible without state-of-the-art digital signage such as that provided by xplace and Sony with its display technology," says Ina Runge, Head of Digitalisation Local Economy at Kiel-Marketing. 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Digital signage will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.