- May 10, 2018
Updated: Feb 4, 2021
Hello NYC! Smartzer hit the Big Apple for Retail Touchpoints Retail Innovation Congress last week, where we exhibited Smartzer’s shoppable video technology to a range of interested retail giants.
The event drew over 500 registrants interested in learning about the next big trends and disruptive technologies in retail innovation. Participants enjoyed networking, speeches and this year’s event even included store visits to TUMI, Sugarfina and Williams Sonoma to get a first-hand look at retail in action.
Educational sessions on the next big topics in retail included a very interesting keynote speech “Your Future Shopper: The Step Change Has Arrived”, delivered by shopping Behaviorist Ken Hughes, which revealed relevant information about Gen Z shoppers. No surprise to Smartzer, but Gen Z shoppers are desire instant gratification and customization. Smartzer’s interactive videos are the perfect way to give viewers the interaction they want without removing them from the experience. The retail customer has changed and the industry needs to adapt to engage with them differently.
The new Gen Z expect a "phygital" world and store systems that are connected and consistent with the online experience. Retailers need to be in every place at all times, always on brand and ready to interact with the customer the same way. Customization is also key to this conversation Gen Z expects all interactions to be tailored to them via the “Amazon Effect.”
Smartzer was one of the innovative solutions showcased at the event. Interactive video is such a hot topic right now that all retailers we met were interested in our shoppable video technology and a demo.
Below you can read more about the Retail Innovation Congress:
- May 3, 2018
Updated: Feb 4, 2021
Penningtons “Every Story…” campaign launched today and features summery looks perfect for the season—all clickable and shoppable thanks to Smartzer’s technology. The video is a triumph in terms of usability. Seamlessly shoppable, each click results in a popup of the item’s quick view, where users can select their preferred size and colours, all from the video. No pesky new tabs needed!
This is our second project with Pennington’s and their delightful video content is perfect for Smartzer’s interactive technology. We cannot wait to debut more videos with quick view popups.
- May 1, 2018
Updated: Feb 18, 2021
Retail industry leaders and innovators from around the world gathered in Madrid, Spain April 17-19 for the annual World Retail Congress. This year’s theme was “Innovate to Win” and more then 1,400 attendees and 130 speakers participated in the high-level forum. The goal? Discovering the needs of today’s consumers to ensure their businesses stay dynamic.
Before the main event, Smartzer founder, Karoline Gross arrived in Madrid early and was thrilled to be invited to a briefing event at the UK Embassy. The information presented by the UK Trade Commission focused on introducing the role of the DIT in helping businesses expand internationally and it was excellent to network with other UK based retailers and startups headed to the World Retail Congress.
During the three-day event., Smartzer exhibited in the main hall where we introduced our shoppable video technology to retail leaders interested in pioneering technology like Smartzer's shoppable video solution. Some of the most interesting forums attended were by Dimas Alvarez, Chairman of El Corte Inglés, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Tommy Hilfiger CEO, Avery Baker.
In addition to introducing Smartzer to retail leaders and attending the forum, we found time to discover other exhibiting technologies. Excellent examples of the future of retail included Alibaba Tmall’s interactive mirror which creates your digital avatar to virtually try on clothes.
Karoline also attended the Women in Retail event hosted by El Corte Ingles. The winner of 2018 Business Woman of the Year was Laura , CEO of Williams Sonoma.
Smartzer cannot wait to be part of next year’s World Retail Congress.
Read more about the event: