04 September 2012
A technological first in Australian retailing
The retail landscape is poised for big change with one bricks and mortar retailer delivering Australian-first web-based capabilities in-store for the ultimate in shopping convenience.
Bedshed Chief Operating Officer Gavin Culmsee said no other retailer in Australia was bringing this complete customer service, delivered by the internet, to its in-store environment.
"Bedshed's Joondalup store is now showcasing best practice ecommerce and we've delivered this technology to customers before any other retailer," he said.
"We're capitalising on the power of the Internet in-store to offer customers a new level of freedom, knowledge and convenience," said Mr Culmsee.
A large screen at the store entrance displays national and local marketing content and senses and reacts as customers approach.
"They can review promotional content, search the online product gallery, add items to their wish list and have a custom PDF brochure created and emailed to them directly from the screen. Accessing the emailed content via their smartphone whilst in-store makes the shopping trip faster and easier.
"We find many shoppers want to make decisions but their family or partner isn't with them. If she's shopping and he's at work, the PDF brochure can be emailed immediately and a faster, more informed decision can be made," he said.
The interactive kiosk's Mattress Assist functionality lets customers browse by brand, mattress size, which room the bed is for, and the reason for the new purchase such as partner disturbance or improvement in health and wellbeing.
"It's the ultimate in convenience for the truly time-poor. Customers are served faster and also have the option of pressing the screen's help button for immediate and discreet assistance.
"We're giving control to customers. Some don't want to be approached by a salesperson and this allows the customer to decide if or when they want help," Mr Culmsee said.
Behind the scenes, the two in-store touch screen kiosks allow for a combination of national and local area marketing content. It gives the local franchisee the freedom to promote, for example, excess stock or highlight a particular accessory.
"They can even translate content into another language to meet their community's demographic," said Mr Culmsee.
The technology (called Blocks) was delivered by Melbourne-based Square Circle Triangle.
Square Circle Triangle's Paul Wilson said from a business perspective, the technology gives Bedshed access to key live metrics.
"It shows how many people have interacted with the kiosk, for how long, the specials responded to and products searched," said Mr Wilson.
"This allows for deeper understanding of customer requirements, product insights and continuous improvement in bettering the customer experience.
"The technology is a world first with future capabilities. Square Circle Triangle is launching it in the US, China and Taiwan next month. The technology is turning heads and it's great to be delivering it on a global scale," said Mr Wilson.
-Ends-
About Bedshed:
Bedshed is one of Australia's largest specialist bedding and bedroom furniture franchises with a network of almost 40 stores across the country. Bedshed has grown steadily since it started in Western Australia in 1980 and is currently expanding on the eastern seaboard.
For further media information please contact:
Lauren Magid
Wrights PR
0412 647 773
[email protected]
Caren Dunn
Wrights PR
0423 506 714
[email protected]
