The Role of Technology in Creative Retail Display Ideas

In 2023, retailers have a lot of hurdles to contend with. Many are still slowly crawling their way out of the retail slump brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. They also have to cope with the effects of rapid inflation.

There is some hope, however, as the economy rebounds. As of 2022, retail sales have topped an impressive $7.1 trillion. This makes 2022 the highest U.S. sales recorded in a calendar year, as well as showing an 8.9% year-over-year increase.

But consumer spending can be fickle. One way retailers can continue to grab consumer attention is by utilizing technology to build creative retail display ideas.

Technology is constantly expanding onwards and upwards. Therefore, it can be a fantastic tool to draw attention to retail displays and boost sales. Think of it as an investment in your retail future.

Want to know more about the role of technology in creative retail display ideas? Then keep reading below for further insights.

QR Codes in Product Displays

The number of consumers scanning QR codes with their smartphones is estimated to increase to 99.5 million by 2025. This gives retailers a real impetus to include them in their product displays.

QR codes, when implemented with product displays, are some of the most common uses for creative display ideas. If a customer approaches a retail display and sees a new product, they will likely want to know more about it before making a decision to purchase it.

By scanning a QR code with their smartphone, consumers will be taken to a dedicated site with information on that product. They can watch how-to videos, read ingredient lists and customer reviews, and even access money-saving coupons.

Touch Screen Displays

When it comes to creative retail display ideas, touch screen displays are all the rage. Touch screen interactive displays give consumers a hands-on approach to product displays.

With touch screens, consumers are no longer limited to boring and static retail displays. Just like with QR codes, consumers can tap into additional product information like customer reviews and product features.

Touch screen displays also allow consumers to add customizations to products. These consumers can even see additional products available and order them right from the display. Touch screens are a great way to enhance retail displays for consumer engagement.

Augmented Reality Retail Displays

Augmented Reality (AR) is another trend taking shape among creative retail display ideas. Many consumers already take part in Augmented Reality by playing games on their smartphones like Pokemon GO! AR uses computer graphics and sounds to create an interactive world around the user’s real environment.

For example, while shopping, a consumer may choose to use an AR mirror. When they stand in front of this mirror, they can view clothing and accessories digitally before they buy them. It can even recommend complementary styles and products and share these looks on social media.

AR also allows consumers to view furniture in a home setup before they buy it. It takes the guesswork out of an otherwise frustrating and time-consuming shopping experience. A survey of 4,000 people between the ages of 13 to 49 found that 80% of shoppers felt more confident in a product when given the opportunity to use AR to test it or experience it first.

Virtual Reality Interactive Product Displays

In the same vein, Virtual Reality (VR) also seeks to change the way technology impacts the customer experience. Whereas Augmented Reality often uses a smartphone program to show interactive graphics, Virtual Reality offers an even more immersive experience.

VR helmets or visors are worn over the eyes along with haptic touch technology. The technology inside projects a lifelike environment for the consumer. Consumers can interact with products in real time within this virtual environment.

Not only does this work for shopping, but it also helps brands display more transparency. For instance, popular shoe brands like Nike and Tom’s give consumers a peek behind the curtain to see the details of their supply chain and production process.

Beacon Technology

Beacon technology has a wide range of advantages when it comes to creative retail display ideas. For one, a beacon can track a consumer in a retail space using Bluetooth low-energy signals transmitted to their phone.

These location-based beacons can guide customers through the store. They can highlight specific displays and points of interest using an interactive map on their smartphone. Using past shopping history, beacons can recommend similar products within the store.

Beacon notifications can appear on a customer’s phone while they’re shopping in-store. They may encourage customers to interact with product displays. Consumers can also receive mobile loyalty points and special discounts for these interactions.

Interactive Product Demos

Modern technology is a marvel all on its own, but there’s one thing that has stood the test of time: Interactive Product Demos. While many brands are opting for digital renditions of their products, you can’t beat the impact of a physical demo model either.

Electronic stores like Best Buy have utilized in-store home movie theater settings. These demo areas are used to show off the performance of their products. Likewise, The Sharper Image lets consumers try out equipment like their massage chairs in-store.

Allowing consumers to see your product in action is a superior way to amp up the appeal of your product displays. You can still use videos and other technological elements to further enhance your physical product demo.

Virtual Shopping Assistants

Built-in virtual assistants are another helpful technological aspect of creative retail display ideas. Consumers can use shopping assistants to locate products and get advice.

Virtual assistants can also help to casually upsell or cross-promote additional products. They can use algorithms based on the customer’s shopping profile for suggestions.

A virtual assistant is ideal in stores where physical help may not be as readily available due to employee shortages. It is also suitable for consumers who may not want to be bothered by a human associate. Instead, they can use the virtual assistant and shop at their leisure.

Holographic Interactive Displays

What was once thought of as something only envisioned in the Jetsons is now a reality. Advanced technology is putting holograms at the forefront of the retail world. Holograms are innovative and creative retail display ideas that are sure to turn heads.

Motion sensors can trigger the hologram to turn on automatically whenever a consumer comes within the parameters of the display. These holograms can greet the consumer and guide them through the product’s specs and features. Holographic designs also make engaging and interesting window displays as well.

Gesture Controlled Menus and Screens

Touch screen technology is the wave of the future. However, there are still those who may still not be as keen about touching shared surfaces in a retail setting.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only just settled. Though it is all too fresh in the minds of many shoppers.

Contactless Point-of-Purchase (POP) and interactive displays are still in demand. Instead of using a dedicated touch screen, consumers can use gestures to interact with retail displays. It offers all of the interaction with none of the exposure to germs. This ensures a safe and worry-free shopping experience for everyone.

Gamification Elements in Retail Displays

Consumers want to be entertained. If your retail displays feel more like a fun event rather than an advertising effort, you’ll score more points with your target demographics. Some examples of gamification include:

Surveys
Quizzes
Scratchcards
Completing Social Media Actions (Like, Follow, Share)
Participating in Interactive Prompts
Playing Mobile Games

A consumer who completes one or more actions may receive a prize. This could be anything from a coupon to a free product. Including gamification elements in your retail displays helps boost engagement and brand awareness.

Digital Signage Technology

Across the U.S., you see malls and stores using digital signage technology. These vibrant and flashing signs are a terrific way to get the right attention. Not only that, but they can be easily updated to reflect current sales and promotions and to showcase new products.

Digital signage can be used in stores to direct consumers to specific departments and products. These signs can also encourage shoppers passing by to come in and check out an advertised special. Interactive digital product displays paired with digital signage are a surefire way to get noticed.

Interactive Floor Projections

While most retailers set their sights higher on enhancing a shelved display, they may be overlooking one vital area, the floor. Foot traffic is what every retailer strives for with their product displays, but the foot area is always utilized.

With modern technology, you can use motion-activated lights and sounds to engage with consumers when they walk up to the display. Some creative retail display ideas for the floor could include a light-up hopscotch outline or a flashing disco dance floor.

Your interactive floor lighting design could even create a lit pathway through the store. This path could ultimately lead to a certain display for added effect.

Explore More Creative Retail Display Ideas with Ascentic Retail Engineering

Well-executed retail displays are worth every penny you put into them. When it comes to creating impactful product displays, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. That’s why you need the pros at Ascentic Retail Engineering by your side.

At Ascentic Retail Engineering, we strive to create an ethical and dynamic work environment for our employees. We also believe in upholding our Christian faith as a strong moral framework for everything we do. Let us help you make your dream interactive product displays into reality.