In the latest episode of Digital Signage Explored by Signagelive, host Tim welcomed Giles Corbett, founder of Cloudshelf, to discuss the innovative ways digital signage is transforming the retail landscape. This insightful conversation revealed how Cloudshelf’s software-as-a-service solution is helping retailers bridge the gap between physical stores and online shopping experiences.
The Cloudshelf Solution
Cloudshelf offers a unique platform that connects to retailers’ product data, price books, and inventory to create digital catalogs. These catalogs can be deployed on interactive screens throughout brick-and-mortar stores, providing customers with access to a wider range of products than what’s physically available on the shelves.
Key features of Cloudshelf:
- Connects to retailers’ existing data systems
- Creates digital catalogs for in-store displays
- Deploys on touch screens and kiosks
- Sets up in minutes, despite complex backend connections
Addressing Retail Pain Points
The primary issue Cloudshelf aims to solve is the “walkout” problem. This occurs when customers enter a store intending to make a purchase but leave empty-handed because they couldn’t find exactly what they wanted. By providing access to a broader digital catalog, retailers can reduce lost sales and improve customer satisfaction.
Industries benefiting from Cloudshelf:
- High-end butchers in Dubai
- Pet accessories retailers in North America
- Sports gear stores in Latin America
- Street fashion outlets in Spain
The Evolution of Retail Spaces
Giles Corbett shared insights on the changing landscape of retail, highlighting a shift in thinking about physical store spaces:
- Brick-and-mortar resilience: Despite predictions of online dominance, physical stores remain valuable for brand building and customer acquisition.
- Proximity to customers: Retailers are focusing on being closer to where people live, leading to more numerous but smaller store formats.
- Digital integration: Smaller stores require digital solutions to showcase their full product range and prevent walkouts.
The Hub-and-Spoke Model
One of the most intriguing concepts discussed was the hub-and-spoke model, which Cloudshelf is helping to facilitate:
Hub: Larger format stores (e.g., 2,500 square meters) serving as central warehouses and showrooms.
Spokes: Smaller, local stores that use digital displays to showcase the full product range.
Benefits of this model:
- Brings stores closer to customers
- Allows for a wider product range in smaller spaces
- Enables quick delivery (within 2 hours) from hub to spoke locations
Customer Experience Enhancement
Cloudshelf’s solution not only expands product visibility but also enhances the overall shopping experience:
- Knowledgeable staff can use the displays to guide customers through the purchasing process.
- Non-digital savvy customers find the interface easy to use, with in-store assistance readily available.
- Immediate purchase options reduce the risk of customers leaving to buy online from competitors.
The Impact on Sales and Customer Behaviour
The implementation of Cloudshelf’s technology has shown promising results:
- Increased engagement: Customers interact with the digital displays, often with the guidance of sales assistants.
- Improved conversion: The ability to showcase and sell items not physically in stock helps secure sales that might otherwise be lost.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction: Quick delivery options (within 2 hours) from hub locations meet customer expectations for convenience.
Looking Ahead
As retail continues to evolve, solutions like Cloudshelf are paving the way for a more integrated shopping experience. By combining the strengths of physical retail spaces with the convenience and range of online shopping, retailers can create unique and compelling reasons for customers to visit their stores.
The future of retail appears to be a harmonious blend of digital and physical elements, where technology enhances rather than replaces the in-store experience. As more retailers adopt these innovative solutions, we can expect to see continued transformation in how products are displayed, sold, and delivered to consumers.
Digital Signage Explored by Signagelive continues to bring cutting-edge discussions to the forefront, showcasing how digital signage is not just about displaying content, but about creating interactive, data-driven experiences that solve real business challenges in retail and beyond.
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