When we talk about retail we can't have a conversation without mentioning the "store".Physical retailing is still one of the most valuable components to the retail ecosystem -where brands can meet their customers and provide meaningful experiences, while increasing business operations.However, we all know that the desired "store" experience is not what it used to be. There has been a huge need to shift and transform the way retailers leverage their physical spaces in order to meet the demands and expectations of consumers today and tomorrow. With access to technology we could only dream of a few years back, retailers now have the opportunity to bring the consumers' expectations to life at the store-level.

To show our customers all of the possibilities, we developed the Connected Cisco Store. The live store was built on top of our core retail framework integrated with leading retail solutions to deliver a one-of-a-kind retail experience for our visitors and employees alike.

See how Cisco built its own 'store of the future' here.
We're drinking our own champagne because we know it works!

IT Enabling Business Outcomes.

The influx of applications and systems can cause chaos in all aspects of the retail ecosystem. Not to mention the difficulty of data management. When retail platforms are built on top of a core foundation and framework that allow control of data at the edge, (anywhere that customers and suppliers touch the brand) it makes decision-making for IT and business a lot more seamless and agile. Cisco's ever-growing partner ecosystem creates a stronger core specific to the retail ecosystem.

To learn more about the value of your digital horsepower at the store-level, read our latest whitepaperhere.

Information Is Everything.

Retail is a part of everyone's life. It's a conscious decision. So shoppers want to make informed purchases whenever they are able. If a retailer provides that opportunity, it creates a positive experience for the consumer. This retail moment is made possible by information -or in other terms, data.

From employees helping shoppers find the desired product to ensuring that an item is in stock or if it needs to be ordered to shoppers receiving contextual recommendations at the right time -anticipating and providing the right retail experience starts with having access and insight into data.

Consistent Experiences.

Thanks to online retailing, shoppers expect similar experiences offline -as they should. However, this seamless interaction should continue through the retail ecosystem, including the employee. Like friction-less check-out: shoppers can pay for an item at any place in the store, whenever they are ready, without having to wait in line, then the store database will immediately update the inventory for that specific item supporting the employees' efficiency in-store.

Everything Talking To Everything.

When a "store" is equipped with sensors and digital touch-points, retailers can automate workflows and processes to ensure that business operates at maximum productivity while saving costs. From tracking products for security purposes to inventory management, retailers can now automatically disable security systems when an item has been purchased or update the store systems to begin replenishment if stock on an item hits a certain number.

To understand how to enable customer driven innovation and employee driven insights, read our latest whitepaperhere.

Future of Shopping. Now.

A strong foundation and commitment to innovation are key factors to ensure the transformation of your retail "store". Enable the brick-and-mortar to hear, understand, and provide you with insights to your consumer at every step of their retail journey.

Watch the new way of retailing come to life through this video here.

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