The growth of digital technology has thrown open possibilities of new experiences and has now made an entry into brick-and-mortar retail stores. Neiman Marcus, the luxury retailer has developed an interactive retail table and launched it in three of its major locations in Austin, Chicago and Topanga. The Neiman Marcus Innovation Lab has been named iLab and gives the shoppers access to the retailer’s entire inventory including collections both in-store and online. The interactive table is approximately 70†long, 34†tall, and 26†wide and features a clean-cut Ultra HD 4K touch screen. The tables have initially been installed in each store’s shoe salon.
Scott Emmons, Neiman Marcus Enterprise Architect and iLab Manager highlighted the fact that the solution is user friendly and combines form and function beautifully. Apart from providing unbridled access to the entire product range the application enables the user to create ‘My Favorites for Wish list’ and request for emailing product links that they can consider at a later date. It is an effective support to the sales staff as it not only provides the up-to-the-minute inventory but also presents what’s “coming soon,†and latest trend reports. It helps them enhance the level of service they provide to their customers in the store.
Digital concepts have created a space for themselves in our lives and enjoy very high acceptance. Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff and eBay have designed a ‘digitally connected’ store located in SoHo, New York. The concept is translated in the form of a ‘connected wall’ which is basically an interactive mirror that displays inspirational content and videos aimed at motivating shoppers into purchases. With the phenomenal growth in online shopping consumers now need an added incentive to visit brick-and-mortar stores. Neiman Marcus hopes to provide through this in-store application omnichannel access to the best merchandise in the world to their customers. It surely adds another layer to their exceptional customer service.
