In central Chinese city Changsha, one of the largest malls in the country is located. What makes it different from the others? As you enter the mall, you are facing the 250,000 square meters challenge and it is quite a struggle to find the right shop and the right item you need. People are dealing with such problems in almost every big shopping mall all over the world, so the solution this mall introduces can change the shopping as we know it.
So their solution is a Mixed Reality navigator which combines 5G network and AR intelligent technology for the ultimate shopping experience. Which makes Changsha IFS the first shopping space of such kind and sets an example for the whole world, where crowded and chaotic shopping became a normality. We are now living in the era of digital acceleration and increased importance of sensory experience and such progress was just a matter of time and technology.
How it works? For the best shopping experience in this 9-levels megamall you need to connect to WeChat from your phone and use the camera on your device as a MR (Mixed Reality) guide.
There is no need to download an app, so it makes everything easier and faster. The smartphone uses your exact location to navigate you and show your options on the move. You will be able not only to see location of shops, but discover what you may like in-store, including offers and engage with an interactive treasure hunt game with this personalized shopping experience.
You no longer have to deal with a problem of finding your friend or a partner in the mall even during the busiest hours or days. Also you not only can find someone, but something. Any interesting offer will pop up as you move, so you will not miss on anything you might enjoy. At the same time it is an amazing marketing tool that instantly promotes any products you are near to. This is also a new page for retail advertisement.
At the same time mall collects the data from the page with the central customer relationship management system on shopping behavior of customers and creates personalized recommendations. Such advancement benefits both customers, sellers and the mall itself. This business ecosystem is no doubt the future of shopping.
It all breaks the wall between fiction and reality. People are almost engaged in a treasure-hunting game and all the suddenly-emerging promotions makes shopping full of surprise. For those who hate boringly walking around malls, will make it more of a fun experience, while they fulfill their everyday tasks that now seem more exciting than ever.
Sources:
- http://www.bbc.com/storyworks/future/the-future-of-retail-shopping/futuristic-shopping-in-changsha
- https://apnews.com/press-release/pr-newswire/technology-lifestyle-shopping-malls-greater-china-shopping
Fabulous technology, that is a bit ahead of time. Not every phone is efficient enough
to run this app, not to mention the fact that even less support 5G. However, I guess it is awesome feature and really necessary, thus I would like to use it, because sometimes it is Gard to find a shop in 2-floor mall. Hope this implementation of MR technology will continue to develop
I hope with this technology nobody will lose their kid at supermarkets anymore. Sounds really promising but as a prototype we will see it at European market at least in 5 years, or someone can make their own (would love to see it in Lidl or Biedronka)
Very useful! Especially for parents who will lose sight of their child for a moment in a mall. However, I see a certain risk with the user being constantly bombarded with even more ads while shopping.
I think that’s a great idea for people that are usually bored while shopping and parents with kids, so they can find their kids easily when they go somewhere. My only concern is how much data is being collected and by who. Also seeing so many ads while shopping can be a little irritating. In my opinion this idea should be still developing, maybe by asking customers what was their experience and opinion.
Interesting technology! I’m looking forward to try it.
Im hoping they will introduce something similar in European countries but they will have to do remodel it in a way that you could use it on every phone. Very interning concept. Can’t wait till it’s available for us!
This application is very helpful! I think this is our future