Another successful installation of 8 kiosks at Macerich’s premier retail destination, Broadway Plaza! Enhancing the shopper experience with seamless digital engagement.
VERY proud of our teams latest installation in (what can only be described as a very sunny) Chicago.
This full-turnkey solution of LED Spectacular, Media Players, Software CMS and GSL XEN NOC was delivered cradle-to-grave by our team and specially selected partners.
Travel Retail has an opportunity to engage shoppers in a way that would make the high street envious – increased dwell times! And for global travel retailers like Avolta, delivering richly engaging digital solutions that can inform and influence shoppers is key to success. Fortunately, with GSL’s expertise and innovative smart technology solutions, we are proud to have developed and deployed smart interactive retail technologies into airports around the world.
Virtual Try On: The Initial Brief
GSL were tasked with designing, building, deploying and supporting a retail-ready interactive experience for deployment into global air-side retail stores. The software allows a shopper to explore a Virtual Try On makeup experience to digitally try-on various makeup products using the digital display as a “Smart Mirror”.
For this solution, flexible deployment was key to the requirement, with some stores only able to accommodate floor standing, or others counter-top and others yet only wall mounted technologies.
Also key to the success of the project was seamless global network connectivity using a dedicated IoT data network that could work in any of up to 188 countries around the world.
GSL has designed the software, hardware and integrations necessary for global deployment of this interactive display solution, and provides 24*7 proactive monitoring, remote management and network connectivity around the world.
Travel Retail has an opportunity to engage shoppers in a way that would make the high street envious – increased dwell times! And for global travel retailers like Avolta, delivering richly engaging digital solutions that can inform and influence shoppers is key to success. Fortunately, with GSL’s expertise and innovative smart technology solutions, we are proud to have developed and deployed smart interactive retail technologies into airports around the world.
Whisky Finder: The Initial Brief
Fruity, Spicy, Smoky or Sweet ? The key flavours of the perfect Whisky. How can a digital interactive experience take a shopper on a flavourful journey of exploration through these categories and help the shopper to find their perfect blend or brand.
The solution asks the shopper a series of questions about taste and preference and uncovers a profile that matches the shoppers ideal flavour and then presents a catalogue of matching Whisky brands for purchase.
By delivering a personalised experience, the shopper understands that the recommendations are tailored to their individual preference of taste, and can therefore be confident of the recommendations given, thus increasing the probability of purchase.
GSL has designed the software, hardware and integrations necessary for global deployment of this interactive display solution, and provides 24*7 proactive monitoring, remote management and network connectivity around the world.
In the world of digital advertising, every minute counts. And for media owners like Mass Media, managing multiple locations can often be a logistical challenge, particularly when technology lets us down. Fortunately, with GSL’s expertise and innovative smart technology solutions, we are proud to have transformed Mass Media’s digital network operations for the better, saving them (and others like them), many thousands of hours of downtime in the process.
The Lexicon, Bracknell, Berkshire (UK): The Initial Brief
With Mass Media’s DOOH Network at the Lexicon Shopping Centre in Bracknell on the verge of going live, we had the pleasure of being introduced to the project. Leveraging GSL media players, smart technology and the XEN platform, a seamless installation process took place whereby we worked closely with Mass Media’s kiosk manufacturer to ensure everything was in perfect sync – from power management and the data network to software integration, all ready for the centre’s go-live.
Unravelling the Mystery
Shortly after the installation, however, GSL XEN detected a problem. Fourteen screens across seven double-sided kiosks were mysteriously, and seemingly randomly switching off, with no immediate indication of the cause. The potential impact of this issue could have been significant had it not been for our proactive monitoring and data insights, as traditionally, this would have resulted in repeated site visits to turn the screens back on, and investing significant time into investigating what was causing this issue – which would have gone undetected and almost certainly unreported for quite some time.
The XEN NOC however, was able to meticulously track the patterns of what was going on and turn the screens back on remotely. Data Analysis showed that screens facing east experienced morning shutdowns, while those facing west suffered in the afternoon. The culprit? Overheating. The screens were reaching critical temperatures and shutting down as a safety measure – something XEN was able to tell us without having to step foot onsite.
Remote Resolution: From Weeks to Minutes
Informed with real-time temperature data reported by XEN, GSL worked closely with the kiosk manufacturer to implement a cooling upgrade. This proactive approach not only addressed the immediate issue but also laid the foundation for a more sustainable, reliable system. GSL’s ability to remotely assess the effectiveness of the modifications meant that downtime was minimized, revenue was protected, and Mass Media’s business was safeguarded.
This breakthrough not only saved Mass Media precious time but also averted the need for their team to physically travel to site for manual intervention. The efficiency gains were staggering, reducing resolution times from weeks to an average of just 1.5 hours – a huge win for any digital advertising network and one that comes at a huge cost saving.
Beyond Mass Media: A Track Record of Success
GSL’s success with Mass Media is just one example of the transformative impact we’ve had on media owners in the United States and in the UK/Europe. Another client of ours saw a remarkable $78,000 reduction in service calls in the first quarter reducing service calls by up to 96%, with projected savings of $470,000 over the life of the contract. These outcomes shine light on our commitment to delivering tangible, sustainable results for our clients.
“Having real-time data and insights into the performance of the entire digital network is a game changer. I now have 24/7 access into how the network is performing, and if ever an issue does arise, GSL notify me almost immediately. In this instance of our kiosks overheating, we not only identified the issue straight away, but being able to learn the cause and resolve it almost instantaneously would never have been possible without the XEN platform.” – Mass Lambresa, CEO, Mass Media
The Power of XEN for Media Owners
The GSL-Mass Media collaboration stands as a testament to the power of innovation and expertise in digital advertising network operations. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of our client’s needs, we managed to not only resolve immediate challenges but have also paved the way for a more efficient, sustainable future for our client. The success story of our partnership with Mass Media is just one chapter in our ongoing mission to revolutionize the way media owners operate in the digital landscape.
Project Synposis
- LCD Checkout Screens in major grocery retailer to deliver digital coupons and reduce environmentally unsustainable thermal printing
- Highly affordable 10.1” LCD Screens on GSL XEN Platform designed to scale to tens of thousands of displays
- Solution was proven to deliver up to 15* more shopper engagement than traditional printed vouchers/coupons
- 57% of shoppers that engaged with the offers gave up their email address for further marketing contact
With the phasing out of paper receipts alongside vouchers and coupons at the checkout of a store, retailers face the challenge of finding an economical, convenient, and most importantly, scalable alternate solution.
Anti-waste laws being phased-in in across European Countries have fast encouraged a conversation between brands, retailers and their marketing departments and agencies.
For one such agency, reinventing shopper activity each day is the essence of their business. Their focus is on proactively approaching the change in regulations for their retailers with a trusted solution that would ensure they were ahead of the game. A solution which would allow them to continue with loyalty-based, and personalised promotions and advertising and make the shift from Thermal Printing to Digital Media.
They required:
- A trusted partner who could scope, design, deliver, and support the solution to achieve these goals.
- A scalable solution to be installed in a large number of in-store retail locations.
- A partner who could source the most cost-effective digital solution with significant savings achieved with increasing quantities.
- An intuitive CMS with the flexibility to create, publish and play dynamically created and personalised content via an Integration with the retailers Point of Sale Infrastructure.
- A Partner highly experienced in Project Managing, delivering and supporting bespoke digital solutions internationally – and at scale.
- Post installation support and automated monitoring of technology with complete remote control and access from a dedicated team.
Ground Support Labs are experts in delivering and scaling technology into the marketplace with over 50 years of combined experience in recommending, building, deploying, and supporting various types of technologies for retail.
The Ground Support Labs team has a proven track record of deploying and supporting over $50M of technology in over 45 countries for various retail brands. Our direct-to-manufacturer relationships allow us to offer to the market a range of technologies that offer commercial viability for digital transformation projects, even at significant scale.
The GSL XEN Platform provides the perfect solution for this agency. The CMS allows for easy API Integration with the retailers POS Infrastructure and supports effortless segmentation for huge numbers of locations.
For ongoing support, the NOC provides a robust ticketing system, proactive device monitoring, system alerts as well as industry leading remote capabilities.
The agency can rest assured that GSL provide dedicated Account Managers, Project Managers, and Technical Engineers that provide a total turnkey solution for the entire project.
GSL were therefore perfectly placed to provide the agency with the complete single source solution.
The Pilot project of 20 counter-top screens installed in 3 European store locations, roaming on the GSL 4G LTE Network provided a highly visible and attention grabbing connected digital solution for both Check-Out and Self-Service locations.
The solution provided a ‘gamified experience’ for shoppers to scan a QR Code, and receive personalised promotions based on their purchase and loyalty profile as well as the chance to win prizes in return for their email address details.
The engagement rates achieved were as high as 15% for the most ideally located displays. This was more than an average expected 1% of engagement normally achieved from printed Coupons.
Impressively of those who scanned the QR code, 57% were happy to provide their email address on the website that it opened.
The gamification content utilising QR Code technology and personalised rewards for shoppers delivered by the GSL CMS clearly activates customer engagement providing a rewarding experience for their customers. The simple but effective message sells the reward seamlessly despite the intended low dwell times at the checkout.
The plug-and-play design of this experience meant for a disruption free, and commercially viable delivery of this pilot.
The GSL XEN Platform provides the agency with complete peace of mind in the delivery of low-latency real time and personalised messaging that is segmented to each individual shopper, and that their Digital Screen technology is proactively monitored 24*7 to ensure the highest uptimes possible.
The pilot was delivered using GSL’s 10.1″ cost effective Counter-Top all-in-one displays. Further developments are in progress to provide bespoke mounting solutions for specific retailers and locations for more permanent installation at roll out.
Contact a member of our team for more information on this or our other case studies.
Project Synposis:
- Digital signage with remote monitoring and management at an affordable price for a budget brand
- LCD Screens positioned in windows, cash-wrap areas and promotional end-cap positions for greatest visibility
- Affordable monthly subscription to the GSL XEN Platform offers a scalable commercial offering at an affordable cost
The Success Story of an independent family-owned convenience store chain operating across the northeast of the U.S., utilizing digital technology to inform and entice shoppers.
“one dollar zone! has remained an independent family-owned operator at the $1 price point, with stores across the Northeast including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
By offering great, trusted, and national brands to our shoppers, one dollar zone! looks to help individuals live better by maximizing the value of their dollar”….
one dollar zone
Budget Conscious Retailers understand the importance of utilizing digital technologies to engage and inform shoppers about the latest products and promotions, but can they afford to embrace such strategies at the same time as maintaining their allegiance to the dollar store heritage? one dollar zone understood that their target audience not only needed to be informed that their store provides big brands at low prices, but that communication of promotional offers would be key to increase footfall.
This retailer’s ambition was to provide a shopping experience that goes above and beyond the product price point – to create an upmarket store layout and environment for the shopper, showcasing their big brand products whilst tailoring the content to their shopper demographic. In key locations they wanted to display looping digital content to attract and engage with the consumer whilst including the ability to update the content quickly and with ease.
This missing component was finding a partner who understood the market the retailer worked in and was able to offer a high-quality solution with advanced functionality at an affordable price.
Ground Support Labs XEN Platform was the perfect solution for this brand – with industry leading secure Content Management, a Proactive Monitoring Network Operations Center for reliable operations, and advanced remote monitoring sets up one dollar zone to seamlessly scale their digital signage platform to all their locations.
GSL leveraged its extensive manufacturer relationships to procure high performance digital displays perfect for this solution without compromising quality. In addition, GSL’s competitive leasing option’s provided unbeatable value.
GSL’s installation team seamlessly installed the equipment and connected all components to the XEN Platform, providing a turnkey CMS and Support solution.
With a simple monthly subscription fee to the XEN Platform, one dollar zone received the perfect digital signage platform with XEN at the perfect price.
The results are two-fold: For the shopper, the signage platform provides an in-store experience that engages them and gives them the confidence that the products carried are the big brands they recognize at amazing prices. For the customer, the digital screens allow them to provide a clear message to their target audience about the experience their shoppers will receive in store, the prices they expect to pay, as well as the brands they expect to see filling the shelves. It sets them apart from the competition, by being ahead of the curve with digital consumer engagement. The GSL content management and support package gives them peace of mind their content is current, the in-store staff can keep their focus on the job in hand, and GSL is quick to respond to any digital support inquiries. The solution also provides one dollar zone with a platform for branding, campaigns, and promotions as well as a solution for revenue generation from key brands. The icing on the cake for the customer is that they have achieved amazing results all within budget.
A true example of how with the XEN Platform, GSL can deploy and manage a successful digital signage campaign at any budget!