Technology helping retailers tempt shoppers back to the store

Insight to optimise the retail experience

One of the hottest areas in retail technology is the ability to provide more insight on the behaviour of shoppers to help store managers enhance the retail experience. 

At the Customer Experience Centre, retailers can see special infrared sensors, called Panasonic Grid-EYE, used to track customer movements around the store. This solution can provide an array of useful information that can be used to optimise the store layout. For example, the direction customers typically move through the store and the hotspots where they linger.

These solutions can be used in conjunction with the latest AI-enabled cameras, which alongside security, can also count the number of people in store and monitor the shelves to ensure goods are always in stock – all whilst meeting strict GDPR regulations on privacy. 

Real-time control of pricing

To drive efficiencies and manage stock effectively, the move to Electronic Shelf Labelling (ESL) is becoming an important step for retailers. The Panasonic ESL solution at the centre demonstrates how pricing can be linked with other core management system such as category management, inventory and forecasting and is centrally controlled. By centrally changing the price or product information on a PC, electronic shelf labels throughout the stores are automatically updated at the touch of a button. Users report a 100% reduction in pricing errors and an 80% time saving on price updates, enabling staff to be deployed in more effective customer-facing activities.

These labels can also be used to enhance the customer experience. For example, QR codes on the labels can be scanned by shoppers to see ingredients, recipes, or even marketing offers and competitions.

AI in the supply chain

The impact of artificial intelligence in the supply chain is also about to transform the back-office operations of retailers. Applications from Panasonic owned AI supply chain specialist Blue Yonder can track and optimise every part of the supply chain from the re-ordering of products in a timely manner, to the management of stock and deliveries. These solutions will also soon be showcased at the Customer Experience Centre.

In-store engagement

As well as behind the scenes, technology is also being used to personalise and attract the attention of shoppers in-store. Panasonic projectors and displays around the store can be used to personalise the shopper experience by offering special deals or products as they pass – based on their customer profile data. This technology can also be used effectively to attract shoppers into the store or guide them with directions as they shop. 

For retail staff, the use of rugged TOUGHBOOK handheld and tablet devices can provide real-time information and boost productivity when in the store. These devices can be used for order taking, product picking, scanning barcodes or accessing stock information from the shop floor. 

Additional services

Lastly, retailers looking to maximise their revenue opportunities are also looking at additional services they can offer customers. Using the store or car parking area for smartlockers is becoming one popular option to allow customers to conveniently collect their goods. 

Panasonic Smartlocker offers the latest modular designed system of 6, 8, 10 or 12 door units and a range of four different temperature lockers. There is the regular ambient locker for everyday items such as parcels; chilled and freezer lockers for food and even medicinal items; and heated lockers to keep takeaway orders at the correct temperature.

For the users it means a fast, secure and contactless delivery solution, allowing goods to be collected and returned easily, efficiently and flexibly. With 24/7 access and indoor and outdoor versions, the Panasonic Smartlocker allows customers to collect and return items at a time and location that suits them.

Tech helping retailers to fight back

There is no doubt that the past decade has been an incredibly difficult time for traditional retailers but the latest incredible range of technology solutions is helping bricks and mortar retailers fight back in the battle against ecommerce. With these types of enhancements to the customer experience, many consumers will once again enjoy making the journey to “shop till they drop” on the high street or at the local shopping centre.