Store Mode: Everything You Need to Know 

In this article you will understand more about the Store Mode, the technologies behind this retail innovation, in addition to its various features and benefits. 

The Evolution of GPS

Over the past two decades, we have witnessed a significant transformation in our expectations of technology. Especially in the field of navigation.

Thus, GPS devices were limited due to cost, and paper road maps were the predominant choice for guidance.

Today, we see constant evolution, where GPS devices are being replaced by systems integrated into cars. And, more commonly, by smartphones equipped with applications such as Google Maps.

The route planning process, right down to memorizing locations and roads, has given way to instant access to global navigation options. Everything at our fingertips with a simple touch of the screen. 

Indoor Location and Customer Experience

While expectations for indoor and outdoor navigation are not identical, they are converging at an accelerated rate.

In the presence of Indoor Digital Maps, enabled by indoor location, it is becoming increasingly common in places such as airports, hospitals, shopping malls, retail and others. 

Companies understand the value customers place on convenience, equating it with an exceptional customer experience.

Unlike in the past, when some retailers tried to retain customers in confusing environments to encourage additional purchases, today the emphasis is on offering simplified experiences.

Therefore, providing ease and fluidity in interactions is essential to encourage repeat visits and purchases.

In this retail context, Digital Maps linked to Store Mode emerge as a valuable starting point in the quest for an improved customer experience.

Therefore, if the intention is to provide customers with a simplified experience, effectively directing them to what they are looking for in the store becomes the ideal approach.

Besides, more than 50% of consumers state that it is highly likely that they will research a product online before making a purchase in a physical store.

Highlighting, therefore, the importance of Store Mode and indoor location in this context. 

What is Store Mode? 

O Store Mode emerges as an innovation designed to overcome limitations in service and consumer experience, establishing a new standard.

This resource is developed with the aim of improving these aspects and includes a variety of functionalities. Such as Digital Store Maps, provide information about the location of products and other points of interest, plot routes, create shopping lists, among others.

With this approach, consumers can enjoy a more personalized and convenient shopping journey, increasing their level of satisfaction.

Store Mode and Beacons 

Beacons are small devices, usually installed on the ceiling or integrated into other components, such as WiFi access points or smart lighting fixtures.

They have a range of about 30 meters. Which implies that a comprehensive beacon configuration must be implemented in an indoor environment. In order to obtain a set of signals robust enough to provide accurate positioning data.

These beacons use several protocols, with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) being the most common. And so, these continuously emit signals detectable by compatible devices, such as smartphones.

Beacons communicate with the target device to determine location, distance to the user, and desired product.

This makes it possible to display a route to guide the user to the desired product through an interface such as a mobile app (Store Mode). 

Store Mode: What is the Difference Between Applications and Totems? 

There are two possibilities to enable Store Mode (which can also be combined): application and totem.

O Store Mode enabled by a store app, it allows the customer to access it via their smartphone and, from there, be guided to the desired product. This is done using a Digital Map identical to the one in the store (Digital Twin).

A great benefit of Store Mode via the App is the greater freedom to access it from anywhere, even allowing the customer to view the Digital Map and plan their plans before even arriving at the store.

Using the Totem, the customer needs to go to it, which can be found in strategic locations in the store, such as at entrances and other points. This way, he will be able to access the Store Mode features. And, after tracing the route to the desired product/location, the customer will need to scan a QR Code to transfer the data to their cell phone and thus be guided.

More traditional totems generally do not have this integration through the QR Code. But we at Zapt Tech offer this convenience to elevate your customers' experience through our technology. Indoor location.

What are the Benefits of Store Mode? 

As noted previously, these technologies are gaining acceptance and becoming more complex as user expectations increase.

This is not surprising considering the various advantages offered by these systems:

Improving Customer Experience

O Store Mode has a positive impact on customer experience and satisfaction.

The approach of creating complex stores to lock in customers has become obsolete as retailers realize it hurts the possibility of repeat business.

Recognizing the importance of long-term customer loyalty, retailers seek to provide a seamless and efficient shopping experience. In which technology indoor location linked to Store Mode, play a crucial role.

Minimizing Pressure on the Team and Increasing Efficiency

In many situations, we are faced with the frustration of entering a store, looking for a specific item and not finding it.

The traditional approach would be to approach an employee for assistance. Which often results in the team member's tasks being interrupted.

This experience not only leaves something to be desired for the customer, but also distracts the team from their assigned responsibilities, leading to potential delays.

Store Mode can effectively replace the need for employee intervention in this scenario. Allowing staff to focus on assigned tasks more effectively. Thus resulting in greater efficiency and improved customer experience.

Data Intelligence

The data associated with the Store Mode offer a valuable source of information for retailers looking to optimize store layouts. In addition to improving the customer experience and identifying growth opportunities.

While sales data provides useful insights, it has limitations. And this is where data from product finders plays a crucial role.

For example, if a specific product, temporarily out of stock, is frequently in demand, this may indicate an opportunity for the retailer to invest in a new product line.

This data complements sales information. And by relating them to the average browsing distances between products, it is possible to identify cases in which related items should be close together, but are currently in different sections of the store.

Furthermore, the Store Mode it also has Heat Maps. This way, the retailer can visualize the areas with less and more traffic, and can gain insights into the arrangement of products and aisles in the store.  

Click here to learn more about the benefits of Store Mode.

How Zapt Tech Can Help You

Zapt Tech is a company dedicated to transforming physical environments into highly interactive digital experiences.

Our technologies indoor location are designed to guarantee the best consumer experience for your customers and drive positive results for your business.

For more information about Store Mode and other solutions, contact us via email: contato@brunozapt-tech

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