Technology

Digital signage can be an effective means of attracting and engaging consumers. Can be, that is. For digital signage to work, above all, it must leave a memorable impression.

For websites across a diverse array of product categories, live chat is a common thread of success. A recent survey my firm conducted of more than 1,000 U.S.-based online shoppers found that 56 percent of respondents said live chat positively influenced them to make a purchase.

Sunglass Hut's Social Sun, an interactive device that lets consumers try on sunglasses, digitally capture and compare their looks and share images with family and friends, is driving sales.

One of the downsides in consumers’ collective shift to spending more time online is the loss of a “personal touch” — that inimitable quality that comes from dealing with someone face to face. Nowhere is this more apparent than when shopping online.

Recognizing the need to stay current in the e-commerce market and better serve web-savvy shoppers, BedBathStore.com, an online retailer of bed and bath décor products (e.g., bedspreads, curtains, draperies, bed linens, pillows, bath accessories, etc.) decided to create online videos for its entire catalog of children’s products in September 2009.

OneStopPlus.com, a Redcats USA brand and the world’s first and only online plus-size fashion mall, takes its philosophy of innovation, selection and convenience to the next level with the launch of its iPad application and mobile site. Recognizing that fashion enthusiasts want fast and easy access to its website, OneStopPlus.com customers can now search for the latest styles and trends from over 100 brands and purchase directly from their mobile devices.

Netshoes, a leading Brazilian sports retailer, has selected software company Baynote's recommendation technology to deliver customers a more adaptive online shopping experience. Within one month of deploying Baynote's Collective Intelligence Platform, Netshoes’ conversion rate increased 30 percent and its average order value rose 10 percent.

Burberry, which has been staking out its claim as one of the most tech-savvy luxury brands around, has taken the wraps off a new ad campaign that allows users to get their digital hands on the clothing and accessories — zooming, dragging and rotating the motion-responsive images in an innovative way. Users can select and control their perspective on the new campaign, showcasing the autumn/winter collection — making the cast members move, for example, to see how a certain handbag or boots look in action.

The Golf Warehouse announces the recent launch of its iPad application, which provides golfers with easy and mobile access to the premier online golf superstore: TGW.com. Customers can experience and enjoy the visual richness of a true catalog combined with the ability to browse and buy TGW products anytime, anywhere — even on the golf course!

In high traffic stores such as Tim Hortons, improving service time can increase its capacity to serve more customers. Over time, the tendency will be for customers to develop a preference for the store location with better speed of service, thereby increasing overall sales.