In-Store Technology on E-Commerce Website (Enhancing Customer Experience)

    In-Store Technology on E-Commerce Website (Enhancing Customer Experience)

    by | Oct 19, 2024 | Case Study, Digital Transformation consulting, Retail

    Background 

    At The Expert Community, we pride ourselves on helping businesses navigate the world of retail and e-commerce with expert consultants. Our client’s Fashion Store, a popular brick-and-mortar fashion retailer, approached us with a major challenge, something regarding in-store technology.  

    They were struggling to bridge the gap between their in-store and online shopping experiences. The goal? To create a seamless, engaging experience for both in-store shoppers and their growing e-commerce customer base. 

    They had an ace in the hole, a loyal customer base that loved shopping in-store but the online experience wasn’t living up to the hype. Customers shopping on the e-commerce site were finding the digital experience a bit… lacking, to say the least. Something had to change. 

    That’s when they called in the expert marketing consultants. That’s us! 

    The Challenge 

    The fashion store had already invested in an e-commerce platform, but customers reported it felt disconnected from the in-store experience they had grown to love. People loved visiting their shops in person because of the personal attention, easy navigation, and tactile feel of the clothes. Online, however, it was just a bland, transactional website. 

    They wanted to use in-store technology to bridge this gap, utilizing it to enhance customer engagement online and offline. But how? They were stumped, and so were we… until we rolled up our sleeves and put on our thinking caps. 

    Our Approach 

    After diving deep into their in-store setup and analyzing their e-commerce stats, we identified several key opportunities where the two experiences could intersect. We worked closely with our client’s fashion store’s leadership and tech team to create a plan of action that would knock customers’ socks off in-store and online. 

    Here’s what we did with online and in-store technology ideas: 

    1. Virtual Try-On Technology 

    Customers love trying on clothes. They love the feel, the fit, and the excitement of seeing themselves in a killer outfit. But online shoppers were missing out on this magic.  

    So, we introduced Virtual Try-On Technology on the website, which let users get a 3D feel of the clothes—just like in-store!  

    We even connected the virtual try-on feature to the in-store experience, so customers could “save” their favorites and then try them on for real when they visited the store. 

    2. In-Store Kiosks Linked to Online Accounts 

    In-store kiosks are nothing new, but we gave them a facelift. By linking in-store kiosks to customers’ online accounts, we allowed customers to browse products they may have seen online, check for stock availability, and even get personalized recommendations based on their online browsing history. It was like online shopping, but in person—how cool is that? 

    3. Personalized Offers Using Customer Data 

    We all love a good deal, don’t we? Using customer data from online purchases and store visits, we helped fashion stores set up personalized in-store offers that pop up on customers’ phones as soon as they enter the store. Imagine walking into your favorite shop and instantly getting a notification for 20% off that jacket you had been eyeing online. Game-changer, right? 

    5. Augmented Reality (AR) Store Navigation 

    Let’s face it—finding your way around a big store can be a headache. To solve that, we integrated an AR navigation feature on the client’s shop mobile app, allowing customers to find their way to specific products they had viewed online.  

    Customers could use their smartphones to guide themselves to the exact aisle and rack in-store. No more wandering, wondering where that shirt is hiding. 

    The Results 

    The results were like night and day. Once we integrated all these in-store technologies and connected them with the online experience, the fashion store saw a 45% increase in e-commerce sales and a 30% boost in in-store traffic. And that’s not even the best part—customer satisfaction ratings skyrocketed across both platforms. 

    But don’t just take our word for it; here’s a quick snapshot of the impact: 

    • Average session duration on the website increased by 25%—customers loved playing with the virtual try-on feature. 
    • Cart abandonment rates dropped by 20%- due to connected kiosks, customers were more likely to complete their purchases, whether in-store or online. 
    • In-store visits from online shoppers rose by 40%—with personalized offers driving people into the physical store. 

    Wrapping it up! 

    At The Expert Community, we’re all about making retail dreams come true by merging cutting-edge in-store technology with good old-fashioned customer care. And the case of our client’s fashion store? It’s proof that in-store technology can transform the customer experience—not just in-store but online, too. 

    If you’re facing similar challenges in your business, hit us up! We’d love to help you cook up something special. Let’s make your online experiences as smooth as butter on toast! 

    Contact us now! 

    AI in Retail: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping the Industry

    AI in Retail: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping the Industry

    by | Apr 17, 2024 | AI & Automation, Retail

    This is the AI generation and staying competitive requires more than just offering quality products and excellent customer service. Retailers must leverage cutting-edge technologies to adapt to changing consumer preferences, optimize operations, and drive growth. One such technology that is revolutionizing the retail industry is artificial intelligence (AI).

    In this blog post, we’ll explore how AI is reshaping the retail industry and the transformative impact it’s having on businesses worldwide.

    What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Retail Industry?

    Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn like humans. In the retail sector, AI technologies are being deployed to analyze vast amounts of data, automate processes, and deliver personalized experiences to customers.

    What is the Current Transformation that the Retail Industry is up to?

    The retail industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by factors such as digitalization, changing consumer behaviors, and increased competition. Traditional brick-and-mortar retailers are facing challenges from e-commerce giants, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to online shopping.

    In this environment, retailers are turning to AI to gain a competitive edge and meet the evolving needs of consumers.

    What are the Applications of AI in Retail?

    According to Precedence Research, the AI market in retail is set to grow a lot, reaching about USD 45.74 billion by 2032. Each year from 2023 to 2032, it’s expected to grow by around 18.45%. This means stores will use more AI to make shopping better and their businesses run smoother. It’s a big opportunity for retailers like you to improve how they serve customers and manage their operations.

    The graph of growth of AI in retail industry from year 2023-2032.

    Therefore, AI is being applied across various aspects of retail operations, including:

    Personalized Shopping Experiences: AI-powered recommendation engines analyze customer data to offer personalized product recommendations, driving higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

    Inventory Management: AI algorithms optimize inventory levels, predict demand, and prevent stockouts by analyzing historical sales data and external factors such as weather patterns and economic trends.

    Supply Chain Optimization: AI streamlines supply chain operations, improves logistics efficiency, and reduces costs by predicting demand, optimizing routes, and automating warehouse management processes.

    Customer Service: AI chatbots and virtual assistants provide 24/7 customer support, answering inquiries, resolving issues, and enhancing the overall shopping experience.

    Marketing and Sales: AI-driven analytics enable retailers to segment customers, target marketing campaigns, and optimize pricing strategies for improved sales performance.

    What are the Benefits of AI Adoption in Retail?

    The adoption of AI technologies in retail offers numerous benefits, including:

    • Increased operational efficiency
    • Cost savings through automation and optimization
    • Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty
    • Competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace
    • Challenges and Considerations

    While the potential benefits of AI in retail are significant, there are also challenges and considerations that retailers must address, including data privacy concerns, integration complexities, and the need for skilled talent to manage AI systems effectively.

    Also read- Latest insights and trends in AI in fashion industry

    Best Examples of Big Brands Utilizing AI to Transform the Industry

    Numerous retailers have successfully implemented AI solutions and achieved tangible results. Here are a examples…

    Amazon- Gen AI Assistant “Rufus”

    Amazon relies heavily on its recommendation engine, which plays a crucial role in driving sales. More than a third of its revenue, around 35%, comes from this engine.

    Every day, Amazon’s AI algorithms sift through billions of data points to provide personalized recommendations to users. Impressively, these recommendations influence about 9 out of 10 product purchases on the platform.

    Also, via generative AI shopping assistant; “Rufus”, named by Amazon helps shoppers in conversational shopping experience.

    Walmart- AI-Powered “Inventory System”

    While, Walmart uses AI to upgrade its supply chain and manage inventory better. This helps them ensure products are stocked efficiently, reducing costs and improving the shopping experience of their customers.

    Myntra- AI-Powered Chatbot “Maya”

    Moreover, Myntra, following the trend of leveraging AI, has introduced a chatbot named “Maya” feature aimed at enhancing the shopping experience for its users. This chatbot simplifies the search process by guiding customers through a curated selection of products based on their preferences.

    By narrowing down choices within a limited collection recommended by the chatbot, Myntra aims to streamline the shopping journey and make it more efficient for users to find what they’re looking for.

    This innovative use of AI underscores Myntra’s commitment to providing personalized and convenient solutions for its customers.

    Also read:- Holiday shopping trends in retail industry

    What is the Future Outlook of AI in Retail?

    In the future, AI will make shopping even better. Stores will know exactly what you like and make recommendations just for you. This means finding what you want will be faster and easier.

    Behind the scenes, AI will help stores manage their stock better, so they always have what you need. Basically, AI will make shopping more fun and convenient for everyone.

    End Note!

    Shopping made smarter, easier, and more fun, all thanks to AI. It’s like having your customers own personal shopper who knows exactly what they want before you do. With AI, retailers can offer tailored experiences and keep their shelves stocked with their customers’ favorites. So get excited because the future of shopping is about to get a whole lot cooler.

    And if you’re sitting back and just thinking to take an action, now is the right time before it gets too late. Don’t settle for ordinary when you can be extraordinary.

    Reach out today and discover how The Expert Community can help you make waves in the world of retail with cutting-edge AI solutions.