Interactive technologies are entering everyday life in numerous ways, from wearable technology to automated soft drink dispensers that allow consumers to customize flavoring. Consumers are not only accepting technology increasingly in everyday life, but many consumers are beginning to demand automated, technologically driven experiences. Retail is a space that can greatly benefit from the advent of these technologies. Retail kiosks can act as virtual shopping assistants, speed up transactions, and even help with inventory control. Moreover, as retail associates are freed from doing certain tasks, they are able to focus more attention on customer interaction and tending to store appearance and operations.
Wayfinding and Customer Service
In-store navigation is always a major concern for retailers, especially for mega-malls and other massive retail spaces. Consider the resources it would takes to organize Bass Pro Shop’s superstore, the Pyramid, which boasts over 500,000 square feet. As items may change location, staff must be individually trained to keep current on item locations. Also, what if staff members forget where certain items are located – especially in large superstores? With wayfinding kiosks, item locations can be centrally controlled and the information replicated to all endpoints seamlessly. Customers can rely on accurate real-time information and retail associates do not have to be burdened with such information.
Other ways retail kiosks can help with customer service are price checking and inventory information. The benefit of price checking is obvious, but being able to check on inventory without having to approach a retail associate is also helpful. A customer may arrive to a shelf location and find that no quantity is available on the floor, but a quick trip to a retail kiosk may uncover that additional stock is in storage or at a nearby location. In addition, a retail kiosk can also be programmed to offer similar products if in fact a SKU is completely out of stock.
Promotion and Up-selling
Retail kiosks can be programmed in real-time to promote certain products, cross-sell and up-sell. Studies have shown that retail kiosks often perform better than their human counterparts at these tasks because humans may forget these steps in the sales process. Self-checkout through automated technology such as a retail kiosk often results in a higher per-check average than those transactions that are completed through a human cashier due to the effectiveness of upselling.
Additionally, if a customer swipes their loyalty card at the kiosk, then personalization features can also be included. For example, the kiosk could suggest cross-sell opportunities based upon the customer’s recent purchases.
Controlling Inventory
Retail operators have a few major concerns when it comes to inventory management:
- Adequate supply
- Slow stock
- Shrinkage
Retail kiosks give full visibility to customers, managers, and retail associates at all times and in real-time. Customers are able to locate the items they are looking for and know if the item is in stock. Managers can also use the system to conduct on-the-spot inventory checks by reconciling the on-shelf quantity to what is listed in stock at a nearby kiosk.
Award-winning Retail Kiosks
Olea Kiosks has been building award-winning interactive kiosks for over 40 years. Contact Olea Kiosks today to find out how a retail kiosk can bring numerous benefits to your organization today!
