Benefits of wayfinding kiosks in shopping malls
Shopping malls have been hugely popular for decades. Consumers can shop for a wide range of products and services in one location. Additionally, it provides a social environment that encourages people to spend time with friends and family, thereby improving the customer experience. According to Forbes, physical stores email a critical force for retail shopping in 2022.
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, it’s important for malls to keep up with the latest technology trends in order to remain relevant and appealing to consumers. This is especially true as e-commerce becomes more popular due to how convenient online shopping is. In fact, it’s estimated that 76 percent of U.S. adults shop online.
One way that malls can compete and remain relevant is by incorporating high-quality interactive kiosks into their malls. This will help improve customer satisfaction, engagement, and overall efficiency when shopping. Let’s discuss the advantages of interactive kiosks and how they can differ from other forms of digital signage.
What is an Interactive Kiosk?
An interactive kiosk is a computerized terminal that allows mall shoppers to access information and perform various tasks. Mall interactive kiosks are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a convenient way for shoppers to find information and perform tasks such as checking store hours, finding directions, and even making purchases.
The global sales of interactive kiosks have been increasing significantly over the years. In fact, interactive kiosk sales increased 14 percent from 2020 to 2021 due to how popular they are.
Digital Kiosks Vs. Digital Signage in Malls
Digital signage is a type of electronic display that shows information, such as mall directories, store hours, and promotional messages. However, digital signage engagement and interactivity differ from an interactive kiosk.
Although you can interact with digital signs, the experience is limited and one-way. Businesses are solely interacting and communicating with the client through digital signage. Also, the content on digital signage is reliant on a playlist, which if you want to change, the cycle starts again from the beginning.
Interactive kiosks bring interactivity to the experience while communicating and collecting helpful data in the process. Malls are communicating with shoppers and shoppers are communicating back through interactive kiosks when using the wide range of features and functions that are offered. Essentially, they provide a higher level of customer engagement.
The Benefits of Using Interactive Kiosks in Malls
Although digital signage can certainly benefit shopping centers, it’s hard to argue that an interactive kiosk doesn’t offer more value, both to shoppers and mall operators. Here are just a few benefits of using touch screen kiosks in malls:
1. They’re Convenient
Interactive kiosks are convenient for shoppers as they provide quick and easy access to the information they need. Rather than having to search for store hours or directions on a mall directory, shoppers can simply use an interactive wayfinding kiosk to pull up the information they need right away. This is especially beneficial for shoppers who are in a hurry or have limited time to do their shopping.
2. They’re Informative
An information kiosk can be used to display retail store hours, promotions, and even product information. This makes it easy for shoppers to find the information they need and make informed decisions while they’re shopping.
3. They’re Versatile
Interactive kiosks are versatile, as they can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, they can be used as directories, customer service kiosks, or even sales kiosks. This makes them a versatile tool that can be used to meet the needs of both shoppers and mall operators. They can also be placed anywhere, whether it’s throughout the retail center, near the storefront, or inside retail spaces.
4. They’re Cost-Effective
Interactive kiosks are also cost-effective, as they can be used to save mall operators money. For example, customer service kiosks can be used to provide information and answer questions, which can help to reduce the need for staff. Additionally, interactive kiosks can be used to promote sales and special offers, which can help to increase foot traffic and generate revenue.
What Kind of Content Can You Display On Interactive Kiosks?
The content that you can display on an interactive kiosk will depend on the type of kiosk you have. For example, customer service kiosks can be used to provide information about the mall, such as store hours and directions. Additionally, they can be used to answer questions and provide customer support. For instance, if a shopper is having trouble finding a particular store, the customer service kiosk can be used to provide directions.
On the other hand, sales kiosks can be used to promote sales and special offers, as well as provide product information. For example, if a store is having a sale, the sales kiosk can be used to display information about the sale, such as the dates and discounts. Additionally, if a shopper is searching for a specific product, they can use the interactive kiosk to find out where the product is being sold and for how much.