How big retailers are using mapping tech to improve shopping experience
Big retailers like Rite Aid and Home Depot are using 3D indoor mapping software to improve the shopping experience, bringing the customer experience into the 21st century by allowing for digital integration with a shopper’s smart device.
While this tech doesn’t make sense for every store – especially smaller ones – large-scale brick-and-mortar shopping premises are starting to see the benefits of indoor mapping software and how it can positively affect their image with consumers.
Here we bring you 4 ways that big retailers are using mapping tech to improve the shopping experience for customers!
1. Helping shoppers to find what they need
Big retailers are utilizing indoor maps in grocery stores to help shoppers find their way around. If you’ve got a very large grocery store with multiple aisles and departments to peruse, it’s easy for a shopper to take out their phone, type in the item/section they’re looking for, and simply follow the directions.
Most indoor mapping software has 3D capabilities and provides simple turn-by-turn directions in simple steps to make the process as easy as possible. There are often multiple different ways to view maps or follow directions, minimizing the chances of anyone getting lost.
Customers love it, especially younger demographics.
2. Allowing shoppers to be their own cashiers
More and more big retailers are doing away with cashiers or drastically reducing them, at least. By using indoor mapping software that is integrated with barcode-scanning technology, shoppers can use the camera on their smartphone to scan barcodes in order to check prices and other basic information.
Some big-name retailers also allow shoppers to “be their own cashier” by scanning products with their smartphones as they shop. When they’re finished, they simply pay for the items in their cart on their phone and leave the store.
Of course, you need to have security features in place to help with loss prevention when using a system like this.
3. Letting shoppers create shopping lists
Lots of mapping software for big retailers are now integrated with a shopping list feature. This allows customers to create and customize their own shopping list featuring items sold in that store.
In addition to directing shoppers around the store so they can find all of their products on the list, the function also makes it easy to advertise deals and offers that are running on the products (or similar products) to encourage people to shop more.
For example, if a shopper puts a couple of soft drinks into their cart, the app might advertise a 2-for-1 promotion that the store is running on Pepsi Cola or a similar drink that they haven’t bought yet.
4. Integrating with Google Maps
Sometimes people don’t want to download yet another app onto their smartphone, and that’s understandable.
As a compromise, stores like Rite Aid are integrating their indoor mapping into Google Maps software so shoppers can use native phone applications to find their way around the store.
This minimizes friction and encourages more people to try out the function, increasing buzz and brand awareness while improving the shopping experience.
In theory, shoppers can use apps like Google Maps to drive to the store itself, then simply walk inside and have the app show them the locations of various items in the store – it’s the ultimate easy shopping experience, especially if you’re from out of town or not familiar with the store.
From directions to shopping lists and becoming your own cashier, there are many ways that stores can use mapping tech to improve the shopping experience. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
