What if connected retail were the solution for a more attractive and interactive customer experience? That's the gamble being taken by more and more brands, who are shaking up consumer habits and the very concept of the shop with a host of new features. AI-based diagnostic tools, new autonomous digital shops, virtual mirrors... Mood Media, specialists in customer experience, takes a look at the 5 latest in-store digital innovations.
Beauty tech in the spotlight at Lancôme's new Absolue pop-up store in Korean travel retail
Lancôme is constantly innovating in the luxury beauty experience, particularly when it comes to beauty tech. To this end, the brand has opened its first Absolue pop-up store in Korean travel retail at the Hyundai COEX shopping centre, which will be open until 31 December.
On entering the shop, customers are immersed in a décor that incorporates Lancôme's new Rosa Agora concept, based on the rose theme and created by the famous French designer Richard Orlinski.
Lancôme's aim is to showcase its beauty tech expertise and offer customers exceptional moments. What's the must-have feature of the boutique? It's undoubtedly its skin diagnosis tool based on artificial intelligence: the Lancôme Skin Screen. This innovative tool analyses the skin and provides a diagnosis to suggest a routine best suited to the customer's skin profile. And that's not all: customers can also discover Lancôme's revolutionary Projective Ageing feature. It allows consumers to imagine the future of their skin and target the next stage of their skin journey.
Pistola, the top-of-the-range denim brand, uses customer feedback to improve its collections
Pistola, the top-of-the-range clothing brand, makes a point of offering products that meet consumer needs and preferences.
And that's where the magic of digital comes in! By integrating an e-commerce platform, Pistola has gained access not only to the ratings that consumers give its jeans, but also to their specific feedback on style, fabric, fit and price. Thanks to this feedback, the brand realised that its largest sizes were actually smaller than customers had expected. To meet customer expectations, the team adjusted the sizes of these products.
Juxta Nomad, the new autonomous and portable convenience store
The United States has seen the arrival of a newcomer to the world of autonomous shops: Juxta Nomad, a portable, autonomous convenience store. It combines digital technology with customer interaction.
The Nomad shopping experience is extremely simple! To enter the shop, customers must first insert their credit card or use contactless technology from a terminal. Once they have done so, a green light comes on, along with a message of thanks, authorising customers to enter.
Inside, digital technology is omnipresent. There are no employees, but artificial intelligence and cameras are used to count what customers choose as products. So there's no need to wait your turn at the checkout, just confirm your purchases from a digital screen at the exit of the shop, which displays the basket as soon as you approach it. Customers can confirm their purchases and request a digital receipt. And for those in a hurry, they can leave the shop without confirming their basket and their card will be automatically debited.
Virtual reality mirrors for the new JD Sport x Nike collection
To promote Nike's new "Need it Now" collection, JD Sports has deployed a digital and interactive device for its customers in its New York and Chicago flagships: virtual fitting technology based on augmented reality.
Customers can interact with the AR Mirror, try on 18 different items virtually and buy an item by selecting "I would like to buy this item", scan the QR code from an iPad in shop and complete their purchase on the website. What's more, this solution also makes it possible to buy online items that are out of stock in the shop or available on pre-order! And for an even more immersive experience, some of the garments available for virtual fittings feature AR enhancements such as water droplets.
A more digital experience for the H&M flagship in Singapore
After several months of closure, H&M's flagship store on Orchard Road in Singapore has made a comeback. The brand is not returning alone, as it will now be accompanied by H&M Home.
The reopening sees the shop redesigned with innovative features. Digital screens of different sizes have been installed throughout the shop to create a more digital and dynamic experience. The spaces have also been enhanced with QR codes that customers, especially children, can scan on posters in the shop and in the clothing collection box. This augmented reality solution helps customers to learn more about H&M's clothing collection programme and to become real recycling heroes, with a more playful approach for children.