It seems digital displays are the most popular trend in visual merchandising. Every week, there is a new story about a store that replaced walls with giant touch screens or brought in interactive booths that can call customers by name. This is all well and good for major brands that can afford huge innovative renovations, but how are small businesses supposed to meet demand for digital browsing options?
With a few simple adjustments, any brick-and-mortar store can introduce digital displays into its space. Managers should leverage existing technology or make cost-effective investments into mobile tools that provide very flexible functionality.
Many stores have flat screens installed in their space. If not, it may a simple matter of buying a relatively inexpensive television. Any screen hooked up to a computing device can show a retail display that scrolls through products, deals or brand messages.
Flat screen in-store displays are attractive and engaging. Entrepreneur said digital video displays are a great chance to promote a store's online materials. Odds are, shoppers will use mobile devices in a retail space and a digital display can direct them to the store's website or social media page to redeem exclusive in-store promotions. If a flat screen is too much of an investment, any form of signage can guide mobile use in a similar fashion.
If a store wants to create a dramatic presentation for its flat-screen display, Small Business Computing listed a few free online resources for retail digital presentations. Managers don't want to settle for a basic slideshows while there are numerous opportunities to spice up information.
When stores supply their employees with mobile devices like phone and tablets, managers should encourage the staff to use the tools with guests. A store should look into creating its own app or specific website for in-store browsing.
Women's Wear Daily suggested making a tablet or two available for public use. Some stores integrate devices directly in retail display fixtures. This means tablets are locked down and the screen is opened to specific computing tools that provide customers with information and a unique way of shopping.
