Verizon Launches Interactive "Smart Stores," Innovative In-Store Experiences
By Megan Zielinski, contributing writer
During the next few years, Verizon Wireless is revamping the in-store experience with the complete transformation of all 1,700 locations into new Smart Stores, starting with the recent openings in Las Vegas, Nev., West Deptford, N.J., Burbank, Calif., and Troy, Mich., providing an engaging, hands-on environment to better serve and educate customers of the latest innovative Verizon devices.
So long to the traditional store layout, with employees behind a counter, as customers blindly browse through a wide assortment of the latest and greatest of devices and accessories. The newly-designed Smart Store will surround customers with an interactive, up-to-date learning center with qualified Verizon experts available, demonstrating how everyday activities can become simplified and enjoyable through the connection of their mobile devices. After listening to customer feedback, Verizon is integrating real-life situations into the store setting, enhancing the learning and purchasing experience for customers as they can relate to in-store exhibits. Verizon wants to ensure that each customer leaves the store completely satisfied and educated on how to incorporate technology into their own personal lifestyle. Verizon also hosts Wireless Workshops —the free, fun hour-long classes help customers understand how to get the most out of their iPhone, Android, and Tablets. Verizon Wireless Experience Specialist Khimberly Acosta stated, “I love seeing people’s faces light up when they discover something new that their phones can do – especially if it’s something that makes their lives easier.”
Until all stores undergo the full transformation, Verizon is including Smart Store features into existing stores—lifestyle zones, including popular categories such as Get Fit, connecting fitness with mobile use, and Amplify It, syncing music with mobile, will allow customers to experience what new services the Smart Stores will offer. Other learning zones to be added into current stores include: Have Fun, for gamers; Home and On The Go, for monitoring the home through mobile; and Anywhere Business, connecting professionals with work.
Smart Stores will be managed more efficiently and resourcefully with in-store upgrades, latest news updates, appropriate employee scheduling, and new training material to be shared during store meeting sessions—slashing customer wait-time, and keeping both employees and clients pleased. Bill payment kiosks installed in Smart Stores will enable customers to conveniently pay their landline and wireless payments in the store. The Smart Stores will also provide a high-speed wireless content transfer service, rapidly moving pictures, music, videos from one Android or iOS to another.
“Creating the best customer experience – at every touch point – is our goal as we reinvent retail,” said Domenico D’Ambrosio, executive director national retail operations at Verizon Wireless.