5 Ways Digital Displays Can Improve a Shopping Mall
Learn how they’ll make management, store owners, and customers happy
Did you know that most people prefer shopping at brick-and-mortar stores? Even with Amazon and the like selling everything under the sun and the massive growth of ecommerce, according to a recent study by the customer scheduling service TimeTrade, 85 percent of folks would still rather do their shopping away from a computer.
This is why malls are still vital. In addition to offering a variety of stores with goods that can be touched, restaurants, and perhaps a movie theater, malls are an event. They are often hang-out spots for a variety of people, not just teens. And even though a mall may have been around for a while and is a successful fixture in a town, it could always be improved.
Digital displays and interactive kiosks, for example, are excellent additions to malls. When used well, they can make enhancements in a number of areas, including:
The customer experience
A digital signage featuring a welcome message is an excellent way to greet customers when they step inside the mall. In addition, an interactive digital signage kiosk with a store directory allows shoppers to easily find what they are looking for, as opposed to that old, frustrating “You are here” map. Interactive kiosks can even dynamically show the best route to a store, highlight special events or deals, or even provide a digital coupon for download to a smart phone – making sure the shopper gets to the store.
Efficient updates
One of the best aspects of a digital display is that the messaging is instant. Instead of constantly needing to print and put up and then pull down signs and paper ads, a digital display or interactive kiosk can quickly and easily share information about sales, deals, special events, and anything else a business or mall management wants to promote.
Sales
Digital signage can help increase sales in a few different ways. First, it can help get people into a store. If displays are placed in central mall locations or outside of individual stores, the latest promotion won’t be missed. Once someone has come inside, displays placed strategically near products offering information, features, and even reviews can help seal the deal. And that’s the tip of the iceberg. For example, interactive signage can show a shopper complementary products (including coupons or discounts) that are available after a shopper provides information on an item they are looking for, creating cross-selling opportunities.
Real-time information
Another benefit of digital displays is that they provide helpful or essential information – immediately. If the mall itself or individual stores are looking to hire employees, every person walking by – including many job-seekers – will know. A digital display is also good for letting people know about a change in hours (during the holidays, for instance), an event (parents want to know if Santa is in the building), or perhaps an early closing related to bad weather.
Mall revenue
When a mall puts in digital displays and interactive digital kiosks, it has the opportunity to boost revenue from tenants. To capture the attention of visitors, stores will want to use the displays to advertise their products and services. These ads can generate additional revenue streams or simply be used to create goodwill with an essential tenant, like an anchor store. Customers are better informed about what’s available and where to go to get it.