ExperienceMINT launches ELEVATE technology platform for Korean brand NECOA in seven new Texas stores
ExperienceMINT reports that NECOA has deployed its ELEVATE retail experience platform in seven new stores across Texas as part of the Korean residential water care brand’s expansion in the US.
ELEVATE is enabled by ExperienceMINT’s Product Wizard and AI Agent. Product Wizard guides shoppers through NECOA's countertop and built-in purification systems, helping them compare features, determine which system best fits their needs, and evaluate monthly subscription and one time purchase options. Sales associates can also use the Product Wizard to walk customers visually through products, features and pricing.
Customers with additional questions can use AI Agent to ask about products, features, filtration, service and purchasing options and receive immediate answers through a conversational interface. A NECOA associate can step in whenever additional assistance is needed.
“NECOA used this opportunity to rethink the retail experience as it entered the US market rather than simply replicate a traditional showroom,” says Andrew Pierce, CEO at ExperienceMINT. “By combining hands on product experiences with interactive guidance and AI, these locations give customers multiple ways to learn, explore and find the water purification system that best fits their needs.”
NECOA has opened stores at Barton Creek Square, in Austin; The Galleria in Houston; The Woodlands Mall, in The Woodlands; Baybrook Mall in Friendswood; The Parks Mall at Arlington; Stonebriar Centre in Frisco; and a showroom at a Tom Thumb store in Richardson.
“The MINT team exceeded our expectations on our launch in the market,” says Kevin Shim, Co-CEO at NECOA. “With a first class design and incredible experiential solutions, we opened on time with an incredible looking store and kiosk. Our customers love the look and experience the store delivers. MINT’s project management of the entire process was also worry free, which was a big benefit.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
