jim ong (born 1961 in the - ivisionar.com · focus on what is or will be trending. each trend will...

About the authorJim Ong (born 1961 in the United States) studiedeconomics, data analysis and data fundementals. He has been since 1989 working independently in theconstruction and related tile industry. His passion is the development of application software for the tile induxtry to conquer complexity, think beyond the box, see beyond the horizon.

Page | 1

©2018 ivisionar.com | merchapp.pro

Content

Time to Adapt - Virtual Reality

An In-Store showroom model and adventure

Product or Virtual experiences?

How does Virtual-Augmented Reality work for the customer

How to implement Virtual or Augmented Reality in future showrooms

Virtual Reality Advantages

Store of the Future: A ‘Phenomenal’ Merchandised Showroom?

How can Virtual and Augmented-Reality connect to physical tile showrooms?

12 Predictions for showrooms and stores (based on Retail Trends 2017)

Colophon | Facts & Figgers

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

4

5

6

7.

8

10.

14.

16.

17

19

Page | 2


Time to Adapt!The days of tile racks and box displays is making way for showrooms focusing on new and innovative ways of displaying and perceiving merchandise (tiles). Digital technology combined with "Omni-Channel" approach are now used to spearhead sales volume. What follows next is our vision of "How" and "What" the new Tile Showroom of the Future will look like. The time to adapt and stay in front of the coming Wave of Change is now!

The Virtual Showroom!Irreversible established fact: today’s consumers are increasingly using the Internet and their smartphones for their purchases. Convenience, customer perception and omni-channel retailing are key stones for today's retailer to build and expand upon.

What will the "Showroom of the Future" look like?Today’s tile showrooms look pretty much alike: long stands of displays of all kinds (tall units, pullout shelves, racks, floors etc.)Because of the endless varieties of tiles available (colors, shapes, material) a tile showroom is going to be bursting at the seams.The customer loses sight of what its looking for and is soon not able to see the forest through the trees.To create a positive experience (or perception) for any customer becomes increasingly more difficult.To build, structure and expand an online presence of a(ny) showroom becomes harder to do and understand.

Today's showroom needs to change and be better adapted to new and existing technologies which yield new showroom templates due to ever changing market in digital technologies. The showroom of the Future is cozy and inviting but is also dressed differently.How?By focusing a 100% on the customer experience of which Omni-channeling is an essential part. Design a full living area with the right mix of materials with an eye or focus on what is or will be trending. Each trend will be - separately - highlighted in the showroom and the showroom then becomes a place of "trend experience".

The right look and feel.The showroom of the future has it's own interior design style. Looking at Apple's

showrooms we notice the focus of it's grey & white contrasts linking to a feel for cotta-ge living. It's creating a feeling of safety and familiarity, however, this is not all: it's tall windows let in just enough day light combined with the right amount of artificial (LED) lighting. Tile products look much better with this combined type of natural and artificial day light environment of which natural day light plays an important role.

In-Store2.0: a customer journeyToday's customers are looking for and expecting more and more for a great shopping experience. In the shortest amount of time possible the customer wants to look for and find the right tile for their living space. The use of such platforms as tablets,

and touch screens are essential in the showroom of the future. A speci-fically designed App bundles the customer's (mostly online obtained) product information and needs to the available tile products of the store. Using omni-channel application enhances the customers experience and possibilities. Sales staff is already informed which are the customer's favorite tiles and its possible available alternatives.Sales person and customer tour the showroom together while the sales person armed with his tablet has the answers to the customer's questions directly at his fingertips. The result: the customer's visit to the showroom becomes more efficient, effective and offers extra inspiration and ideas.

Welcome to the world of Virtual and Augmented reality!Although most tech companies (Google, Apple, Microsoft) have invested a lot in these technologies and therefore the "experiencing" of Virtual and Augmented reality by custo-mers has really started to take off.Although virtual reality is becoming more integrated in today's tile showrooms, the real future of Tile Showrooms lies in its mixed use of Virtual and Augmented reality.A graphic interface will bring the customer's dream into reality right before his/ her eyes!

Products coming to lifeAugmented reality (AR) connect the perceived reality with the virtual world. Digital products and colors come to life in a physical environment.The customer sees, feels and experiences a new world around them. AR creates a perfect layer of illusion on top of reality.

Convenience, speed and collaboration Between the various departments determine success and sales volume of the Showroom of the Future. Thanks to advanced virtual technologies it is possible for the customer to keep his virtual tile on him to look at later in the convenience of her own home. This digital experiencing by the customer (whether in the showroom or at home) is retailer specific with the numbers and merchandising that are now in a showroom! With the turnover of a showroom the digital will eventually take precedence. The more qualitative and accurate the retailer (together with sales marketing, data management, app builders) responds to digital experiences, the greater their share in the market will be.

THE FUTURE OF TILE SHOWROOMS?The tile industry as well as types and varieties of available tiles are changing at a very rapid pace and customer's expectation along with it. A visit to the showroom nowadays has to be a unique and personalized customer experience for it to be remembered.

‘Meet the virtual showroom of the future’• Greater personalization per customer

Unique showroom experience

Arrange showroom differently

Focus on omni-channel

Virtual & Augmented reality integration

Synergy with innovative technologies between

sales-marketing data management departments

•••••

The customer has researched his interest (e.g. in tiles) beforehand through the retailer's Omni-Channel, allowing them to enjoy an effi-cient showroom visit. The Showroom of the Future is not cluttered with all sorts of display units. Thanks to the new showroom concept (AR + VR) the customer gets a fresh look of the (previously) chosen tile trend.

Freedom of Augmented Reality (AR) codesThe customer is now able to take one or more AR-codes (a QR code look alike) home for further viewing and consideration.Want a different color or tile? Simple! For each and every tile is a specific AR-code available.

The virtual view of ceramic tiles.Once a preference of tile has been made, the next question the customer has is: how will this look in my own house? Armed with an AR-code the customer is now able to exactly have the look and feel of his tile in his own interior. Simply combine the AR-code with an actual photo of the area and the App will do the rest!

Customer Interaction & user experienceBack in the showroom the sales person prepares the final tile quote and even though the total customer experiencing didn't take place

in the showroom only, the retailer is in direct communication with the customer.Due to this dual approach concept of AR + VR the retailer is con-stantly aware of what is going on in his segment of the market and all this information is adding value to his Omni-Channel approach of his future clients.

(and interior design) trends.The customer favors an older or even outdated trend? Then hand him a handy AR-code containing all the necessary infor-mation and trend pictures to take home.Because of the absence of old fashioned tile display units the retailer can respond more quickly to the experiencing the customer wants to achieve.Also, merchandising and storage capacity will increas.

Destiny of VR and AR today.It is an established fact that AR + VR are dominating already Showrooms of the Future. The traditional tile showrooms sho-wing off their assortment of tiles through rows and rows of various display units is making room for innovative technologies and experiencing of trends and ideas. The customer enjoys a unique virtual reality experience with lots of possibilities. The retailer profits form lower overhead and

Virtual and Augmented Reality are adding a new dimension of experiencing to the new tile Showroom. This virtual technology is on the brink of a great breakthrough in the retail industry and applying these technologies will give the retailer a unique position in the (tile) market. Save time, save (physical) effort, save inventory and jump start yourselves ahead of the competition.

Sales as a confidential adviser Although sales person combines new technologies as VR + AR, the sales person remains at all times the point of contact for the customer. Strong synergy between sales and marketing departments ensures a unique and personal customer experience, both in the showroom as well as at home.

Up-to-date product informationWith VR and AR all available infor-mation and product data is at your fingertips because AR codes will contain everything about a specific tile.AR warrants a more efficient pro-duction process as well as lower production cost.

Return of Investment vs. Sales volumeLong-term gainA onetime investment in AR + VR techno-logies is choosing for reliable long term in-vestment which will contributes to higher sales profits because of the increase of purchasing power of your customers.

Sure investmentYou can't constantly worry about the design and layout of your tile showroom.Only focus and spotlight the latest in tile

production costs and a more efficient and effective showroom design. VR + AR are a win-win for both customer and retailer alike.

Page | 3

























‘An In-Store showroom model and adventure’


Page | 4


Time to Adapt!The days of tile racks and box displays is making way forshowrooms focusing on new and innovative ways of displayingand perceiving merchandise (tiles). Digital technology combinedwith "Omni-Channel" approach are now used to spearhead salesvolume. What follows next is our vision of "How" and "What" thenew Tile Showroom of the Future will look like. The time to adaptand stay in front of the coming Wave of Change is now!

The Virtual Showroom!Irreversible established fact: today’s consumers are increasinglyusing the Internet and their smartphones for their purchases.Convenience, customer perception and omni-channel retailingare key stones for today's retailer to build and expand upon.

What will the "Showroom of the Future" look like?Today’s tile showrooms look pretty much alike: long stands ofdisplays of all kinds (tall units, pullout shelves, racks, floors etc.)Because of the endless varieties of tiles available (colors, shapes,material) a tile showroom is going to be bursting at the seams.The customer loses sight of what its looking for and is soon notable to see the forest through the trees.To create a positive experience (or perception) for any customerbecomes increasingly more difficult.To build, structure and expand an online presence of a(ny)showroom becomes harder to do and understand.

Today's showroom needs to change andbe better adapted to new and existingtechnologies which yield new showroomtemplates due to ever changing marketin digital technologies. The showroom ofthe Future is cozy and inviting but is alsodressed differently.How?By focusing a 100% on the customerexperience of which Omni-channeling is anessential part. Design a full living area withthe right mix of materials with an eye orfocus on what is or will be trending. Eachtrend will be - separately - highlighted inthe showroom and the showroom thenbecomes a place of "trend experience".

The right look and feel.The showroom of the future has it's owninterior design style. Looking at Apple's

showrooms we notice the focus of it's grey& white contrasts linking to a feel for cotta-ge living. It's creating a feeling of safetyand familiarity, however, this is not all: it'stall windows let in just enough day lightcombined with the right amount ofartificial (LED) lighting. Tile productslook much better with this combinedtype of natural and artificial day lightenvironment of which natural daylight plays an important role.

In-Store2.0: a customer journeyToday's customers are looking forand expecting more and more fora great shopping experience. In theshortest amount of time possible thecustomer wants to look for and findthe right tile for their living space.The use of such platforms as tablets,

and touch screens are essential inthe showroom of the future. A speci-fically designed App bundles thecustomer's (mostly online obtained)product information and needs tothe available tile products of thestore. Using omni-channel applicationenhances the customers experienceand possibilities. Sales staff is alreadyinformed which are the customer'sfavorite tiles and its possible availablealternatives.Sales person and customer tour theshowroom together while the salesperson armed with his tablet hasthe answers to the customer'squestions directly at his fingertips.The result: the customer's visitto the showroom becomes moreefficient, effective and offers extrainspiration and ideas.





Freedom of Augmented Reality (AR) codesThe customer is now able to take one or more AR-codes (a QRcode look alike) home for further viewing and consideration.Want a different color or tile? Simple! For each and every tile is aspecific AR-code available.


Customer Interaction & user experienceBack in the showroom the sales person prepares the final tile quoteand even though the total customer experiencing didn't take place

in the showroom only, the retailer is in direct communication withthe customer.Due to this dual approach concept of AR + VR the retailer is con-stantly aware of what is going on in his segment of the market andall this information is adding value to his Omni-Channel approachof his future clients.

(and interior design) trends.The customer favors an older or evenoutdated trend? Then hand him a handyAR-code containing all the necessary infor-mation and trend pictures to take home.Because of the absence of old fashionedtile display units the retailer can respondmore quickly to the experiencing thecustomer wants to achieve.Also, merchandising and storage capacitywill increas.

Destiny of VR and AR today.It is an established fact that AR + VR aredominating already Showrooms of theFuture. The traditional tile showrooms sho-wing off their assortment of tiles throughrows and rows of various display units ismaking room for innovative technologiesand experiencing of trends and ideas. Thecustomer enjoys a unique virtual realityexperience with lots of possibilities. Theretailer profits form lower overhead and


Sales as a confidential adviser Although sales person combines newtechnologies as VR + AR, the salesperson remains at all times thepoint of contact for the customer.Strong synergy between sales andmarketing departments ensuresa unique and personal customerexperience, both in the showroomas well as at home.

Up-to-date product informationWith VR and AR all available infor-mation and product data is at your fingertips because AR codes will contain everything about a specific tile.AR warrants a more efficient pro-duction process as well as lowerproduction cost.


Sure investmentYou can't constantly worry about thedesign and layout of your tile showroom.Only focus and spotlight the latest in tile

Product or Virtual experiences?What is most important in the Showroom of the Future:

production costs and a more efficient andeffective showroom design. VR + AR area win-win for both customer and retaileralike.

Page | 5


























How does Virtual-Augmented Reality work for the customer?

Page | 6


























How to implement Virtual or Augmented Reality in future showrooms

Page | 7


Time to Adapt!The days of tile racks and box displays is making way forshowrooms focusing on new and innovative ways of displayingand perceiving merchandise (tiles). Digital technology combinedwith "Omni-Channel" approach are now used to spearhead salesvolume. What follows next is our vision of "How" and "What" thenew Tile Showroom of the Future will look like. The time to adaptand stay in front of the coming Wave of Change is now!

The Virtual Showroom!Irreversible established fact: today’s consumers are increasinglyusing the Internet and their smartphones for their purchases.Convenience, customer perception and omni-channel retailingare key stones for today's retailer to build and expand upon.

What will the "Showroom of the Future" look like?Today’s tile showrooms look pretty much alike: long stands ofdisplays of all kinds (tall units, pullout shelves, racks, floors etc.)Because of the endless varieties of tiles available (colors, shapes,material) a tile showroom is going to be bursting at the seams.The customer loses sight of what its looking for and is soon notable to see the forest through the trees.To create a positive experience (or perception) for any customerbecomes increasingly more difficult.To build, structure and expand an online presence of a(ny)showroom becomes harder to do and understand.

Today's showroom needs to change andbe better adapted to new and existingtechnologies which yield new showroomtemplates due to ever changing marketin digital technologies. The showroom ofthe Future is cozy and inviting but is alsodressed differently.How?By focusing a 100% on the customerexperience of which Omni-channeling is anessential part. Design a full living area withthe right mix of materials with an eye orfocus on what is or will be trending. Eachtrend will be - separately - highlighted inthe showroom and the showroom thenbecomes a place of "trend experience".

The right look and feel.The showroom of the future has it's owninterior design style. Looking at Apple's

showrooms we notice the focus of it's grey& white contrasts linking to a feel for cotta-ge living. It's creating a feeling of safetyand familiarity, however, this is not all: it'stall windows let in just enough day lightcombined with the right amount ofartificial (LED) lighting. Tile productslook much better with this combinedtype of natural and artificial day lightenvironment of which natural daylight plays an important role.

In-Store2.0: a customer journeyToday's customers are looking forand expecting more and more fora great shopping experience. In theshortest amount of time possible thecustomer wants to look for and findthe right tile for their living space.The use of such platforms as tablets,

and touch screens are essential inthe showroom of the future. A speci-fically designed App bundles thecustomer's (mostly online obtained)product information and needs tothe available tile products of thestore. Using omni-channel applicationenhances the customers experienceand possibilities. Sales staff is alreadyinformed which are the customer'sfavorite tiles and its possible availablealternatives.Sales person and customer tour theshowroom together while the salesperson armed with his tablet hasthe answers to the customer'squestions directly at his fingertips.The result: the customer's visitto the showroom becomes moreefficient, effective and offers extrainspiration and ideas.

Welcome to the world of Virtual and Augmented reality!Although most tech companies (Google, Apple, Microsoft)have invested a lot in these technologies and therefore the"experiencing" of Virtual and Augmented reality by custo-mers has really started to take off.Although virtual reality is becoming more integrated intoday's tile showrooms, the real future of Tile Showroomslies in its mixed use of Virtual and Augmented reality.A graphic interface will bring the customer's dream intoreality right before his/ her eyes!

Products coming to lifeAugmented reality (AR) connect the perceived reality withthe virtual world. Digital products and colors come to life ina physical environment.The customer sees, feels and experiences a new worldaround them. AR creates a perfect layer of illusion on top ofreality.

Convenience, speed and collaboration Between the various departments determine success andsales volume of the Showroom of the Future.Thanks to advanced virtual technologies it is possible forthe customer to keep his virtual tile on him to look at later inthe convenience of her own home. This digital experiencingby the customer (whether in the showroom or at home) isretailer specific with the numbers and merchandising that arenow in a showroom! With the turnover of a showroom thedigital will eventually take precedence. The more qualitativeand accurate the retailer (together with sales marketing, datamanagement, app builders) responds to digital experiences,the greater their share in the market will be.


Freedom of Augmented Reality (AR) codesThe customer is now able to take one or more AR-codes (a QRcode look alike) home for further viewing and consideration.Want a different color or tile? Simple! For each and every tile is aspecific AR-code available.


Customer Interaction & user experienceBack in the showroom the sales person prepares the final tile quoteand even though the total customer experiencing didn't take place

in the showroom only, the retailer is in direct communication withthe customer.Due to this dual approach concept of AR + VR the retailer is con-stantly aware of what is going on in his segment of the market andall this information is adding value to his Omni-Channel approachof his future clients.

(and interior design) trends.The customer favors an older or evenoutdated trend? Then hand him a handyAR-code containing all the necessary infor-mation and trend pictures to take home.Because of the absence of old fashionedtile display units the retailer can respondmore quickly to the experiencing thecustomer wants to achieve.Also, merchandising and storage capacitywill increas.

Destiny of VR and AR today.It is an established fact that AR + VR aredominating already Showrooms of theFuture. The traditional tile showrooms sho-wing off their assortment of tiles throughrows and rows of various display units ismaking room for innovative technologiesand experiencing of trends and ideas. Thecustomer enjoys a unique virtual realityexperience with lots of possibilities. Theretailer profits form lower overhead and


Sales as a confidential adviser Although sales person combines newtechnologies as VR + AR, the salesperson remains at all times thepoint of contact for the customer.Strong synergy between sales andmarketing departments ensuresa unique and personal customerexperience, both in the showroomas well as at home.

Up-to-date product informationWith VR and AR all available infor-mation and product data is at your fingertips because AR codes will contain everything about a specific tile.AR warrants a more efficient pro-duction process as well as lowerproduction cost.


Sure investmentYou can't constantly worry about thedesign and layout of your tile showroom.Only focus and spotlight the latest in tile

production costs and a more efficient andeffective showroom design. VR + AR area win-win for both customer and retaileralike.


VRAdvantages

Experience what’s inside


Page | 10


Page | 11


Page | 12


As more and more consumers choose to buy online and via their phones, many retailers feel their sales are waning. Many companies find it difficult to downsize in their showrooms. This innovation trend among consumers is irreversible. The downsizing and closures are a constant trend in retail that will continue after 2017! Many companies struggle to find the right balance between in-store managing efficiently and smartly in-store showroom space and personnel-related costst.For example, instead of displaying their products all over the place in a showroom, a wonderful merchandising, boutique-like 'showroom in a showroom' can be created, with a small (er) staff to ensure that experiences for customers is on focus.All samples (merchandising) can be stored strategically in a "back office" room or in a more cost-effective warehouse in the neighborhood.A small showroom not only optimizes sales per square meter, but also improves customer convenience. Customers can try / test / hold / feel and view the products via VR or AR or a mix of these two. Customers can immediately take their samples with them (or have them delivered to their homes) is an option , for example, many Ikea customers find very useful.Although we see that there is a growing trend for consumers to move online with embracing digitization, it is essential that they continue to go to the stores they know. Can you imagine what shopping would be like if we could not drive to a physical location to test drive a high-price item or try out a new line designer clothing?Instead of tweaking traditional methods that physical retailers use to keep stores afloat, why not embrace integrate digital technology into a brick-and-mortar store producing more sales with less retail floor space.From that moment on,the retailer, with fewer employees and less space, can focus on improving the shopping experience and building relationships with customers, directly and perso-nally.Although IKEA is close to this vision of the future store, a wide range of retailers could benefit from IKEA’s retail strate-

gy. Moving their clutter prone inventory off the floor and into the backroom could make room for beautiful showcasing at the forefront of the store and positive experiences for the customer. The store of the future is really just a phenomenall merchandised showroom.

Formulating a Vision of what is to come after 2017Merging of Products, Services and Disciplines.Brand name products are trying to hold on to their own spe-cialties and are aware of the specialties of other competition.Combining these forces will create synergy and will result in complementing and innovating together.Example: Bloomon recently sells its flowers in brick and mortar stores whereas earlier it did so only working together with C&A (clothing) and Other Stores including Amsterdam

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR) become standard e-commerce tools.Virtual and Augmented Reality as common e-commerce tools.Virtual Showrooms will become more and more in demand due to the availability of standard VR applications.Brick and mortar stores along with physical static catalogues will soon be a thing of the past.

Example: trend setter IKEA, which recently launched its first digital showroom where customers use VR technologies to design their own new kitchen before making their final choice.

Artificial Intelligence as your personal shopperAI (Artificial Intelligence) can be used as a personal assistant by customers and help them make an informed decision based on a set of parameters/ preferences set by the customer him-self and based upon intuitive, dialogue-based interaction.This prevents wasting time of endless filtering and scrolling through of web shops.AI can also assist with buying of gifts.Example: 1800-flowers.com uses this technology to assist customers in their choice of finding the perfect gift in their web shop.

On and Off line boundaries disappear.Omni-channel retailing will continue to increase in popularity as consumers expect a seamless integration of retail experien-ces across multiple platforms (in-store, online, smart phone, website).Companies that only did business online, are also establishing physical "brick and mortar" showrooms.These showrooms serve as a ‘meet and greet’ point of contact for gathering and exchanging of product information and "trend experiencing" between customer and sales person, after which the customer can order the product online. The mobile online options will become even more advanced in the coming year(s) and will take different forms such as personalized in-store shopping experiences and apps. Example: luxury web shop Net-a-Porter already responds to this with their social application The Net Set to unite fashion world and consumers online. Speed and ConvenienceWill play an absolute leading role in the purchasing process of customers.Retailers who simplify the purchasing process and remove any obstacles, gain ground and thereby bind their customers. The concept of shops without cash registers is already a reality.Example: self-scanning registers at major stores like ‘Albert Heyn to Go’ in The Netherlands. Amazon even went a step further at the end of 2016, the company developed Amazon Go, a shop without cash: you automatically pay for the items via an ingenious surveillance system. Due to the speed with which technological and sustainable

REFERENCE WORKING, WHITEPAPERThese reference works provide a direction an indication of how other retailers look at future showrooms.

Darin Archer - Jim Onghttp://www.darinarcher.com/https://ivisionar.com

Store of the Future: A ‘Phenomenal’ Merchandised Showroom

technologies continue to develop, there will be many opportunities for retailers to really distinguish themselves in the coming years. Progressive retailers can get started with opportunities that seemed to be future music in the years to come ', says Tim van der Horst, business development mana-ger at Web loyalty. 'Co-creation with both other retailers and software developers can unburden the consumer, making the shopping experience even better for them.

Page | 13


As more and more consumers choose to buy online and via their phones, many retailers feel their sales are waning. Many companies find it difficult to downsize in their showrooms. This innovation trend among consumers is irreversible. The downsizing and closures are a constant trend in retail that will continue after 2017! Many companies struggle to find the right balance between in-store managing efficiently and smartly in-store showroom space and personnel-related costst.For example, instead of displaying their products all over the place in a showroom, a wonderful merchandising, boutique-like 'showroom in a showroom' can be created, with a small (er) staff to ensure that experiences for customers is on focus.All samples (merchandising) can be stored strategically in a "back office" room or in a more cost-effective warehouse in the neighborhood.A small showroom not only optimizes sales per square meter, but also improves customer convenience. Customers can try / test / hold / feel and view the products via VR or AR or a mix of these two. Customers can immediately take their samples with them (or have them delivered to their homes) is an option , for example, many Ikea customers find very useful.Although we see that there is a growing trend for consumers to move online with embracing digitization, it is essential that they continue to go to the stores they know. Can you imagine what shopping would be like if we could not drive to a physical location to test drive a high-price item or try out a new line designer clothing?Instead of tweaking traditional methods that physical retailers use to keep stores afloat, why not embrace integrate digital technology into a brick-and-mortar store producing more sales with less retail floor space.From that moment on,the retailer, with fewer employees and less space, can focus on improving the shopping experience and building relationships with customers, directly and perso-nally.Although IKEA is close to this vision of the future store, a wide range of retailers could benefit from IKEA’s retail strate-

gy. Moving their clutter prone inventory off the floor and into the backroom could make room for beautiful showcasing at the forefront of the store and positive experiences for the customer. The store of the future is really just a phenomenall merchandised showroom.

Formulating a Vision of what is to come after 2017Merging of Products, Services and Disciplines.Brand name products are trying to hold on to their own spe-cialties and are aware of the specialties of other competition.Combining these forces will create synergy and will result in complementing and innovating together.Example: Bloomon recently sells its flowers in brick and mortar stores whereas earlier it did so only working together with C&A (clothing) and Other Stores including Amsterdam

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR) become standard e-commerce tools.Virtual and Augmented Reality as common e-commerce tools.Virtual Showrooms will become more and more in demand due to the availability of standard VR applications.Brick and mortar stores along with physical static catalogues will soon be a thing of the past.

Example: trend setter IKEA, which recently launched its first digital showroom where customers use VR technologies to design their own new kitchen before making their final choice.

Artificial Intelligence as your personal shopperAI (Artificial Intelligence) can be used as a personal assistant by customers and help them make an informed decision based on a set of parameters/ preferences set by the customer him-self and based upon intuitive, dialogue-based interaction.This prevents wasting time of endless filtering and scrolling through of web shops.AI can also assist with buying of gifts.Example: 1800-flowers.com uses this technology to assist customers in their choice of finding the perfect gift in their web shop.

On and Off line boundaries disappear.Omni-channel retailing will continue to increase in popularity as consumers expect a seamless integration of retail experien-ces across multiple platforms (in-store, online, smart phone, website).Companies that only did business online, are also establishing physical "brick and mortar" showrooms.These showrooms serve as a ‘meet and greet’ point of contact for gathering and exchanging of product information and "trend experiencing" between customer and sales person, after which the customer can order the product online. The mobile online options will become even more advanced in the coming year(s) and will take different forms such as personalized in-store shopping experiences and apps. Example: luxury web shop Net-a-Porter already responds to this with their social application The Net Set to unite fashion world and consumers online. Speed and ConvenienceWill play an absolute leading role in the purchasing process of customers.Retailers who simplify the purchasing process and remove any obstacles, gain ground and thereby bind their customers. The concept of shops without cash registers is already a reality.Example: self-scanning registers at major stores like ‘Albert Heyn to Go’ in The Netherlands. Amazon even went a step further at the end of 2016, the company developed Amazon Go, a shop without cash: you automatically pay for the items via an ingenious surveillance system. Due to the speed with which technological and sustainable

‘Meet the virtual showroom of the future’• Greater personalization per customer

Unique showroom experience

Arrange showroom differently

Focus on omni-channel

Virtual & Augmented reality integration

Synergy with innovative technologies between

sales-marketing data management departments

•••••

technologies continue to develop, there will be many opportunities for retailers to really distinguish themselves in the coming years. Progressive retailers can get started with opportunities that seemed to be future music in the years to come ', says Tim van der Horst, business development mana-ger at Web loyalty. 'Co-creation with both other retailers and software developers can unburden the consumer, making the shopping experience even better for them.

Page | 14


How can Virtual and Augmented reality connect to physical tile showrooms?Do not project the experience in your showroom by showing more products!This is done by small-merchandising, VR and AR.

What you should do:

° Cover a complete space in the right materials in a larger setting and not with cabinets and furniture.° Make sure trends are shown off in their own spaces in the showroom (and not combined in the same space).° Make sure your merchandising is flexible.° Make sure your product data is and media library are up to date.° Make sure that a VR room or experience can be gained (see ikea video in previous report).° Make sure you can respond faster with new technologies (give touch tablet to every customer before they tour the showroom).° Integrate channels to customers (allows customers in the showroom to take certain experiences home).° Omnichannelling: use your website as an extensionwith your showroom to upgrade sales.° Use a lot of natural daylight in your showroom, and supplement with LED lighting.° Take an unambiguous environment in your interior (see Apple Stores stores white-gray-black-cottage).° Make sure the showroom interior is easy to handle to replace merchandise.° TEAM UP by sharing, integrating and updating your customer's experiencing with the various departments (sales, data manage-ment, IT).° Create a ‘Customer Journey’.

Page | 15


1. Retailers flourish that promote product quality, transparency and sustainability.2. Stores that offer unique in-store experiences.3. Retailers will adopt mobile payment solutions.4. Small stores are hip; big stores are not.5. Personalization is becoming increasingly important for the consumer.6. Same day shipping or collection option will become more prominent.7. Retailers continue to invest in omnichannel.8. Retailtainment will penetrate into the showroom (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retailtainment).9. Keeping (retiring) data remains an important part of showroom success.10. Specialty stores more productive than large department stores.11. Retailers will respond to apps, services and third parties to meet the needs of modern customers.12. Retailing and technology will become inseparable.

12 Predictions for showrooms and stores (based on retail trends 2017)

Page | 16


Hyperlinks, source reference, reference works(Allow PDF click to follow link)

Customer JOURNEY

https://www.marketingfacts.nl/berichten/geintegreerde-sales-service-en-marketing-zorgen-voor-een-perfecte-customer

VIRTUAL-AUGMENTED en MIX realityhttps://tech.co/future-interior-design-virtual-showrooms-augmented-catalogs-2017-03 https://tech.co/steps-implement-new-technology-plan-2016-07

INTELhttps://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/company-overview/company-overview.html

iVisionARwww.merchapp.pro www.ivisionar.com

Darin Archerhttps://blogs.adobe.com/digitalmarketing/author/darin-archer/

Adobehttps://blogs.adobe.com/digitaleurope/

IKEAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OGwSt7dAJw https://vimeo.com/183706693

Googlehttps://vr.google.com/

Microsofthttps://www.theverge.com/2017/10/17/16487936/microsoft-windows-mixed-reality-vr-headsets-guide-pricing-features

About the authorJim Ong (born 1961 in the United States) studied economics, data analysis and data fundementals. He has been working independently in the con-struction and related tile industry since 1989. His passion is the development of application software for the tile induxtry to conquer complexity, think beyond the box,, see beyond the horizon.

© 2018 Jim OngThis publication may be reproduced and made public with written permission ([email protected]) and acknowledgment of the source

The vision of Jim Ong about the technological developments and changes in the tile industry: 'The Tile Showroom of the future'

Colophon

© 2018 Colophon iVisionAR bv.All Rights ReservedThe Netherlands

Text & translationGary Ong, Canada

Images & textSome pages may also contain images and text or other elements subject to third-party copyright.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivisionar/

FIGGERS & FACTS

Sources:EconsultancyForresterInsight Retail GroupMobStacMotorolaNational Retail FedarationPSFKRetail Customer ExperienceRetail TouchPointsRP Consulting

jim ong (born 1961 in the - ivisionar.com · focus on what is or will be trending. each trend will...

Documents