Are digital employees part of the high-tech retail trend?
Retailers are going digital to compete with their online counterparts. However, store operations aren't moving to the internet – it's all about in-store help.
A Toronto-based department store, the Bay, has introduced its first digital employee. "Anna," as the company has named the 5-foot 8-inch (in high heels) digital worker, greets consumers from a glass tower in the center of the store, the Globe and Mail reports.
The introduction of Anna is what the news source characterizes as part of a trend on behalf of brick-and-mortar retailers to use high-tech programs and developments to cut costs and boost revenue.
"As merchants compete against deep-pocketed global titans, they're being forced to look for digital and automated alternatives to buttress operations. Retailers such as clothier Gap Inc. and office supplies specialist Staples are already staffing their warehouses with thousands of robots," the Globe and Mail writes.
However, retailers don't need to create a digital workforce to improve operations. Consider using your retail management system to set up your floor staff with mobile sales tools, introduce interactive kiosks through your stores, or launch a social space where consumers can access store information or discounts.
