Cloud services provider, MJ Flood Technology has launched Ireland’s first Connected Retail Lab, operating as a showcase for retail technologies where retailers can look at ways to personalise their customers’ purchase journey in a live demo environment
The lab, located at MJ Flood Technology headquarters in Baldonnell, Co. Dublin, allows visitors to experience first-hand what Cisco Wi-Fi solutions, smart signage, interactive touchscreens, augmented reality retail entertainment and deep customer analytics can do for their business.
Estimates from market research analyst Forrester suggest that by 2018, 44% of all in store retail sales in Europe (or about €920 billion in value) will be influenced by online research, highlighting the importance of a digital presence regardless of where the final transaction takes place.
Commenting on the launch, Keith Hanley, connected retail lead with MJ Flood Technology explained, “No two customer journeys are the same, and as online consumers we have come to expect a high degree of personalisation through consumer-centric communications.”
He added that retailers could now carry this personal journey through to the ‘bricks and mortar’ store and use a range of technologies to positively influence individual purchase behaviour.
“This translates into higher basket values and deeper customer loyalty for retailers,” he said.
Some of the technologies showcased at the Connected Retail Lab include high performance wireless networks from MJ Flood Technology’s partner Cisco, along with facial analysis and profiling software, which can generate customer analytics based on eye tracking, emotion recognition, age, gender, ethnicity, head pose, mood and even clothing style.
According to MJ Flood Technology, when combined with digital signage, these triggers can then deliver relevant advertising content in real time and are a powerful mechanism to measure advertising effectiveness.
Also on display are interactive touch screen and mobile applications that can help retailers develop mobile apps and feature sets that drive conversion rates, increase loyalty sign ups and boost order values.
Requests for a visit to the Connected Retail Lab can be made here
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
