AOPEN showcases latest retail innovations at Retail Event Netherlands

DEN BOSCH, Netherlands - April 9, 2013 - PRLog -- AOPEN, together with Microsoft Windows Embedded, showcased advanced digital communications solutions through a "virtual store" at Retail Event Netherlands on 27 & 28 March in Expo Houten, where the latest retail innovations and research into consumer behaviour were in the spotlight.

AOPEN's live demonstration allowed visitors to walk through a virtual shopping environment, digitally enhanced by information displays, touch screens, an interactive mirror, a wayfinding kiosk, a transparent display, a self-scan check out cash register, customer analytics tools and an in-store security solution that combines advertising potential with video surveillance. The aim is to enable retailers to interact and engage with customers, both offline and online.

Research presented at Retail Event Netherlands reveals how consumer awareness and acceptance of retail technology and digital signage is growing. Q&A Research & Consultancy's study of consumers in the Netherlands identified a top 10 list of key innovations. Self-scan checkout cash registers were the most accepted innovation (71% awareness), followed by touch-screen information points (49% awareness). 44 percent of consumers expect to actually use self-scan checkouts, and 37 percent see benefits to them. But Frank Quix from Q&A warns that continued customer education is critical.

“Consumers will only accept in-store innovations and technology if the retailer guides them and persuades them of the added value and benefit," Frank says.

Gabriëlle Offringa, Marketing Manager AOPEN Europe agrees that retailers need to seize this exciting opportunity, and embrace the demand for online shopping rather than competing with it.

“Retail is undergoing a huge evolution, with retailers transforming their stores into experience centres. Our message to retailers is to grasp the online sales and marketing potential by combining the two worlds of offline and online. By integrating smart communications with your in-store marketing, you can engage and interact with customers, drive sales and enhance customer service."

AOPEN's solutions allow retailers to extend their online conversations to in-store, by unifying the web, mobile assets, and the retail floor, creating new and highly targeted experiences for shoppers.

Screens help remove purchase objections, funnel the decision-making process, speed up sales lead-times and capture customer data and retail patterns. Screen media both replaces and complements print-based in-store visual merchandising.

“Our latest digital signage and screen offerings ensure every retailer can move towards online retail in an easy and cost-effective way. These solutions promote engagement in-store as well as encouraging customers to take the retail experience with them when they leave the store," Gabriëlle says.

Retail Event Netherlands is a new tradeshow aimed at retailers in both the food and non-food sectors. It offers solutions for both chain stores and retail organisations, focusing on the latest developments in store fixtures and furnishings, automation, money handling, logistics, service, experience and shopper marketing. Cross-channel retail solutions were also in the spotlight. AOPEN's solutions were displayed as part of the Retail Innovation Route.

With the launch of OpenSign (http://www.aopen.com/eu/opensign), AOPEN offers a web-based content delivery system based on AOPEN hardware. This is an interactive digital marketing and signage platform built for retailers to tackle the frustrations and costs of operating and maintaining a digital signage network. Products include a range of tablets and touch displays in different sizes with pre-installed software and content management system access. Content can be managed from a central location to allow for quick and seamless updates, with the ability to either broadcast updates simultaneously to any number of devices, or individually update each device with localised content.

AOPEN provides a range of flexible solutions so you can pick the exact features you need. You can either use your own resources, or let AOPEN manage your solution end-to-end from the drawing board through to installation and evaluation.

Contact an AOPEN representative for more information: digital_signage@aopen.com

About AOPEN

Founded in 1996, AOPEN is a major electronics manufacturer, specializing in ultra-small form factor computing for both home and business applications, and digital signage, from hardware to software and services. Part of the Wistron group, AOPEN is a global business with a presence in over 100 countries. AOPEN's customers and partners range from governments and financial institutions to retailers, retail design firms, strategic consultants and branding agencies.

http://www.aopen.com/eu/aopen-at-retail-event-netherlands-2013