The future of retail signage?

Posted on January 31, 2010

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Talking of Microsoft and the future of Mobile Convergence platforms both retail Touch Points and Schematic have reported that one of the more interesting things to come out of the NRF convention this year was a retail digital signage proof-of-concept from Intel and Microsoft.

Retail Touch Points reports that Microsoft & Intel are partnering to transform the digital signage experience in retail.

“Customers can use the 7-foot-6-inch multi-user, multi-touch holographic in-store screen to explore merchandise, find out about promotions, submit feedback on products, read customer reviews, view past purchasing histories and share what they have discovered with their friends via social media and mobile phone integration… Through the use of anonymous video analytics, advertisers have advanced options for reaching targeted consumers.” – Retail Touch Points

While Schematic offer a more indepth review complete with pictures and Video

“Although not intended to actually hit the streets, Intel’s latest retail concept is an interesting vision of the relatively near future of digital signage installations in retail environments” - Schematic

As we have seen before with Mobile Bar Code Readers like ShopSavvy and the inroduction of QR Codes interactive retail touch points are revolutionising the way “bricks and mortar” retailers communicate with customers. If the trend continues then it may well be the the future of Mobile Commerce is actually going to take place on location in the shops and not remotely as originally thought by most industry commentators.

If this does happen then the Mobile Commerce experience will be very different to the eCommerce experience. The market will be much larger and the technology far more influential in the sell:buy cycle.

[Updated 21-9-2010]

Other interactive technologies worth exploring include Displax’s Skin Technology and Gesturetek’s Touchscreen technology.

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Posted in: Advertising, Retail