Commercial shopfitting is an important process that helps businesses create a space that is both functional and appealing to customers. While traditional methods of shopfitting are still widely used, digital technology has begun to make its way into the industry as well.
In this article, we will discuss seven ways that you can integrate digital technology into your commercial shopfitting project!
1. Augmented And Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) technology is gaining popularity even in retail sectors as it can provide customers with a unique shopping experience. It enables customers to walk through the store before construction has been completed. By using special headsets and controllers, customers can enter their own customised virtual environment, giving them an immersive and realistic feel of what it would look like once the store has been completed. Furthermore, by utilising VR, businesses can easily modify existing spaces or layout designs to meet customer preferences faster and more efficiently.
Nike, IKEA, and Apple, are some of the big names that are already utilising augmented and virtual reality in their stores. Scanning items, viewing information, and product comparisons are some of the ways these companies have integrated this technology into their store experience.
2. Smart Shelving Technology
Smart shelving technology is a great way to monitor and maintain inventory levels in stores with limited spaces. This digital solution allows retailers to track what products are selling when they need restocking, and how much inventory they need at all times. The data gathered from these smart shelves can help store owners make better decisions about how to curate their products, optimise shelf space, and provide customers with a more engaging shopping experience.
Supermarkets with numerous products and limited storage space are the ideal candidates for this technology. This will help them utilise their spaces more efficiently while also significantly reducing the need to manually count stock.
3. Interactive Display Screens
Oversized, dynamic, eye-catching display screens have become a popular addition to many stores. These interactive displays are capable of providing customers with detailed information about products and services, as well as showcasing video content that can be tailored to their interests. Businesses can use these displays to promote special offers, increase engagement, and engage customers in a more dynamic way than ever before.
Embracing technology and digital shopfitting solutions can be a great way for small businesses to stay ahead of the competition and differentiate themselves in the market.
Several commercial establishments in cities like Tokyo and Chengdu have already adopted interactive displays in their shops. They use the technology to showcase product information, announce promotions and specials, and even provide customers with real-time updates on store events.
4. Modern POS systems and contactless terminals
Cashless transactions and integrated point of sales (POS) systems have become more and more common among retailers. These modern POS solutions can streamline the checkout process, provide customers with an easier way to pay, and generate detailed reports on the store’s sales. Furthermore, these contactless terminals also allow business owners to keep track of their inventory and cash flow in real-time.
With the digitalization of commerce, POS solutions are becoming even more advanced and versatile. Some systems are now capable of accepting a wide range of payment types, including credit cards, mobile payments, and cryptocurrency.
5. Smart Lighting
Let there be light! As lighting is a crucial element of any store, it can be used to draw attention to products and create an ambiance that’s conducive to shopping. Smart lighting systems are capable of producing different levels of brightness and colour depending on the needs of the business. By utilising this technology, retailers can customise their store’s environment according to the situation or occasion.
These systems are also useful for reducing energy consumption and overhead costs. Smart lighting can be used to automatically adjust the brightness of store lights depending on the time of day or when customers enter or leave the premises. Light plays a huge role in customer loyalty and emotion giving retailers another way to create an immersive shopping experience.
6. Automated Checkouts
Checking out purchased items should be easy, fast, and hassle-free. Automated checkouts provide customers with a truly innovative shopping experience that allows them to pay for their items without ever having to wait in line. This technology is becoming increasingly popular in supermarkets and other retail stores, as it reduces time spent checking out and increases customer satisfaction.
Robotics and AI can be used to build automated checkout systems. These systems can use scanners and RFID technology to detect the items that customers have selected, allowing them to pay quickly without having to wait for manual checks or cash register processes.
7. Sanitation Stations
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way retail stores operate. To ensure the safety of their personnel and customers, commercial shopfitters have resorted to installing sanitisation stations and other health protocols in their establishments. These stations are capable of cleaning surfaces with UV light or chemical disinfectants quickly and efficiently, preventing the spread of germs and pathogens.
The use of sanitising stations is an important part of shopfitting and should be taken into consideration when planning a store’s layout. These stations can also serve as reminders for customers to properly protect themselves from the virus, making sure that their shopping experience remains safe and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Embracing technology and digital shopfitting solutions can be a great way for small businesses to stay ahead of the competition and differentiate themselves in the market. With that said, integrating technology into your retail store should not be done without careful consideration. Business owners need to ensure that their shopfitting solutions are integrated properly and are suitable for their store’s needs.
