Delivering Outstanding Customer Experience across Retail Branches with Hughes Managed Networks
Experiential Stores
At Hughes, we understand the significance of experiential outlets within an increasingly digitised retail space. These stores redefine the shopping experience, offering customers more than just products on shelves. Instead, they create immersive environments where technology enhances every aspect of the shopping journey. To give an example, the prevalence of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology provides an opportunity for customers to visualise products in their intended environment before making a purchase. This not only reduces buyer uncertainty but also adds an element of fun to the shopping process.
But these experiential stores are more than just a novelty for customers. The presence of this technology enables retailers to gather data about individual customers' preferences, purchase history, and behaviours. This data can be used to offer personalised recommendations and create tailored shopping experiences. Imagine receiving a notification on your phone suggesting a product based on your past purchases, or walking into a store where the displays change according to your preferences. Such personalisation fosters a deeper connection between customers and brands, ultimately driving brand loyalty through outstanding customer experience.
There’s a whole treasure trove of insightful data on offer for retailers willing to embrace innovation. From analysing foot traffic patterns, customer behaviour within the store, and the effectiveness of various displays and promotions, retailers can make better informed decisions. Information is power, and better insight into how your customers operate allows for continuous improvements to the store layout, product placement, and overall customer satisfaction.
Those retailers who have not yet embraced the opportunity to use technology to create a retail customer experience that encourages customers to visit, stay and spend, may find it difficult to compete in the new retail reality. With indications in the market suggesting that online sales are set to slow and the arrival on the high street of historical online-only competitors, getting this blended customer experience right is not going to be simple but it is going to be vital for survival. But that’s where Hughes are here for, by providing effective In-Store technology designed to provide you with the insight necessary to stay ahead of the competition and embrace the digital landscape.
Why not read our latest report ‘Digital Transformation for Retailers, Drivers for Success' to find out how technology is enabling your world.
Managed Networks Providing the Key to Digital Transformation
To provide outstanding customer experiences, retailers will are becoming increasingly reliant on technologies that increase convenience while placing greater strain on networks currently tasked with supporting business-critical technologies. Smart store technology encompasses a multitude of devices, including IoT sensors, digital signage, point-of-sale systems, and customer Wi-Fi networks. With such a diverse range of devices communicating simultaneously, the demand for seamless and reliable connectivity is paramount. Professionally Managed SD-WAN Networks utilise intelligent routing and load balancing to ensure that network traffic is efficiently distributed, minimising latency and downtime. As retail outlets expand or upgrade their smart store systems, SD-WAN networks can effortlessly scale to accommodate the increased data traffic. By adopting the right SD-WAN solution, retailers can provide next level customer experiences through a flexible, always available agile network.
In addition, smart store technology introduces a higher level of data exchange, making cyber-security a top priority. Professionally Managed SD-WAN Networks incorporate advanced encryption protocols and security measures to safeguard sensitive customer information and transaction data. The centralised control and visibility features provided by SD-WAN allow IT teams to monitor network traffic, detect anomalies, and implement security policies across all connected devices, thereby reducing the risk of breaches and cyberattacks.
By opting for a professionally managed SD-WAN solution, retailers can reduce the burden on their IT teams. SD-WAN's centralised management allows for streamlined monitoring, troubleshooting, and configuration adjustments, minimising the need for on-site technicians, and reducing operational costs.
Hughes Europe can help you evaluate and deliver solutions such as SD-WAN that can help transform your existing branch network to make it ready to support the digital network transformation journey necessary to realise the in-store customer experience you need to compete in modern retail environments.
Contact Us Today
For more information on how experiential stores and SD-WAN network management can benefit your business operations, contact a member of our experienced team today. We'll ensure that your business gets the support it needs to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.