By Ganesh Harinath–
(Ganesh Harinath is the Founder and CEO of Fiducia | AI, Inc., a 20-year veteran of information technology and AI. Ganesh was earlier VP and CTO at Verizon and Verizon Media. The views in this column are his own)
As we step into the vibrant world of retail today, we find ourselves at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. The term “phygital”—a blend of the physical and the digital—has leaped from the pages of tech prognostications into the bustling aisles of stores worldwide. Retailers, in a bid to mesh the tactile allure of in-store shopping with the boundless possibilities of online commerce, are redefining the consumer experience. At the forefront of this revolution are Retail Endless Aisles, with their hologram displays and AR integrations, and the transformative GS1 Digital Link.
Step into the realm of high-end retail, where the pursuit of the perfect watch is transformed into an immersive adventure. The luxury boutique, already a haven of exclusivity and sophistication, is now reimagined through the lens of “phygital” innovation. Hologram billboards, no longer confined to the realm of science fiction, emerge as the jewel in the crown of retail experience. They display a seemingly endless carousel of fine timepieces, projected with such clarity and detail that it appears tangibly within reach.
By augmenting the physical shopping experience with digital innovation, sales have seen an uptick of 29%, while customer satisfaction has soared, reflected by a 35% enhancement in shopper feedback scores (Fusion Retail Analytics, 2023). Perhaps even more compelling is the leap in trust and authenticity. These technologies are not just novelties; they are the forces reshaping the retail landscape, heralding profound improvements in sales, customer satisfaction, and the critical pillars of trust and authenticity that underpin the modern marketplace.
This holographic showcase doesn’t just break through the barriers of traditional display cases, it shatters the very concept of limited selection. Customers are treated to a 360-degree view of each watch as it gracefully rotates, the holograms highlighting the glint of polished metal and the intricate craftsmanship of the watch face. The watches are rendered with such precision that one can almost hear the delicate ticking of their mechanisms.
Nike, Samsung, L’Oreal, Disney, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Adidas, and Under Armour are some of the well-known brands experimenting with hologram billboards. You can also view the Fiducia experience on one Proto hologram billboard.
As if this visual symphony weren’t captivating enough, augmented reality (AR) brings a personalized touch to the shopping experience. With the simplicity of a smartphone or AR glasses, guests can see a chosen watch wrap around their wrist, adapting to the movements of their hand. This interaction goes beyond visual aesthetics; it’s a fitting session where the digital and physical worlds converge. The watch’s weight is imagined, and the presence of a luxury item is experienced in a personal, intimate manner.
The integration of AR into the customer journey redefines the very act of trying on luxury goods. The convenience of seeing a watch’s proportions, how it complements different skin tones, or how it looks with an outfit of choice empowers the customer to make decisions that are both informed and heartfelt. This marriage of hologram billboards and AR technology ensures that what is chosen is not just a product but a match that resonates with the customer’s personal style and essence. You can click on the link or scan for the Fiducia AR experience to enjoy the luxury bag augmented reality on your phone without any app installation.
Moreover, these innovative technologies are a win for retailers as well. The endless aisle of holographic displays and augmented reality not only captivates but also streamlines the selection process, reduces the need for extensive physical inventory, and significantly diminishes the likelihood of post-purchase dissonance and returns.
In this boutique, the search for the perfect watch becomes a memorable journey, a narrative punctuated by the marvel of holograms and the interactive narratives of augmented reality. It is here, amidst the whisper of luxury and the echo of innovation, that buyer satisfaction is not just met but celebrated in a vivid, unforgettable display.
In an increasingly digitized retail landscape, the GS1 Digital Link emerges as a pillar of authenticity and provenance. While we delight in the seamless fusion of holographic mastery and augmented reality in-store, this cutting-edge QR code anchors us to the true nature of the products. Brands are presented with a prime opportunity to embed traceability, transparently share their fundamental values, sustainability efforts, and narratives, all while assuring product verifiability and authenticity. A simple scan offers consumers a clear view into a product’s provenance, validates its authenticity, and honors the craftsmen. This insight, available at the point of sale and enduring throughout the product’s lifespan, fosters a profound trust and loyalty between consumers and brands.
The “phygital” phenomenon marks more than just a new phase in retail; it represents a quantum leap into a realm where in-store shopping’s richness and online shopping’s convenience are not just preserved but amplified by each other. Stores become portals to worlds where choice is unlimited, experiences are immersive, and knowledge is power.
For retailers, this shift promises streamlined inventory management, reduced need for physical space, and opportunities to craft unforgettable customer interactions that drive brand engagement and growth. Meanwhile, the GS1 Digital Link stands as a bastion against the tide of counterfeits, safeguarding brand integrity and consumer confidence.
This is not merely an incremental shift; it’s the dawning of an era where retail becomes more adaptive, more sustainable, and more attuned to the desires of a global community. As we celebrate 50 years of the GS1 barcode system that has seamlessly connected goods across continents, we welcome the GS1 Digital Link. It promises to carry this legacy forward, ensuring that every product holds a story waiting to be unveiled with a single scan—a narrative of authenticity, of journey, of connection.
As consumer packaged goods journey across borders in the complex tapestry of global trade, the GS1 Digital Link emerges as a vital tool for ensuring authenticity and tracing lineage. Its introduction is a testament to the retail sector’s commitment to transparency and consumer engagement. The new age of retail—a tapestry woven from threads of innovation and tradition—is upon us, offering a world where the consumer is not just a buyer but a connoisseur of their products’ very essence. Welcome to the “phygital” reality, where shopping is not just an act but an experience—a story of connection between consumer, creator, and commerce.
Should you require further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Ganesh Harinath, Founder & CEO of Fiducia.
