E-commerce the door to digital product display and virtual purchasing . But that ’ s not the only experiential avenue . Technology is also enabling immersive in-store experiences . From digital mirrors and immersive photobooths to personalization with in-store messaging and recommendations that can guide customers around the store , solutions can maximize both the retail experience and sales .
Omnichannel and hybrid shopping
Until recently , there has been a very real divide between the on and off-line retail experience but most customers value a hybrid approach , pushing retailers towards phygitally driven brand strategies . Customers want to view in-store and buy online , or buy online and collect in-store . They want to be able to view and purchase goods without leaving their favorite channels , meaning that social media needs to be about more than just marketing – it needs to provide an opportunity to make purchases . Hybrid and omnichannel shopping means giving your customers what they want , when and when they want it . Avoiding abandoned baskets by facilitating the ondemand and impulse , allowing customers to switch between online , offline , and social media without having to refill their baskets .
2023 is going to be about three things : the simplification of the customer journey , the integration of the on and offline retail experience and personalization . Selfcheckouts and collection screens are just the start of in-store digitalization . If the high street is going to survive , the focus now needs to be on bringing customers into the store to physically experience the brand while providing access to personalized digital offers , built around customer profiles . Creating a far-reaching interactive experience that will keep customers coming back for more . ■
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Josh Bunce is Founder and CEO of the iuf Group . A serial entrepreneur and investor , Josh is on a mission to create a new retail world using innovative , practical and sustainable technology . The iuf group is a London-based group , made up of several tech focused brands that are dedicated to providing industry leading AV technology on a global scale . The brands in the group offer a mix of innovative tech including AV and interactive solutions , IoT solutions and LED and LCD displays . The iuf group invests equity in forward thinking brands , with a particular focus on high-growth and scalable startups across a mix of sectors . retail-merchandiser . com 25