Reinventing the NZ retail sector through interactive digital signage
As consumers shopping behaviour has shifted towards online retail, there has been much speculation around the future of
physical retail stores. Even the most seasoned retailers have struggled to balance their online and physical presence,
with many folding due to mismanagement of changing consumer expectation.
However, instead of battling to clearly define the roles of online and physical retail, retailers are beginning to adopt
a more cohesive model, where the interactive, autonomous world of online shopping exists in the physical shopping space.
This has been bought about by the recent progression in digital signage technology.
Vaughan Reed, owner of Labyrinth Solutions, NZ provider of interactive digital signage solutions, comments on how retailers are adopting a new way of doing business.
“Interactive digital signage technology has the potential to revitalise the retail industry”
“Already we have seen the benefits of such technology worldwide – including 24/7 operation hours, more efficient
customer turnover through self-service, and an experience which is unique to consumers and differentiates from
traditional retail”.
Reed believes that by taking the aspects of online retail that consumers enjoy (fast efficient stock browsing and
autonomy) and combining it with the best aspect of physical stores (being able to experience the product) we will see a
revitalisation of the retail industry.
“It’s not about online shopping versus traditional retail; it’s about creating a retail space which delivers the best of
both worlds”.
Reed also stresses the need to keep pace with an ever evolving technology, or run the risk of being left behind.
“Digital technology is constantly evolving at a rapid pace. It is important that we keep pace with this change and offer
NZ business the same digital signage and touch screen technology that is being offered overseas”.