Virtual storefronts: how to capture and improve your customers' attention
According to the latest Accenture studies, 45% of consumers believe that their shopping experiences are boring.. The retail sector needs to change this data, it needs to surprise, innovate and leave a mark in the memory of users. To this end, new technological proposals are being born: enlarged photocallsvirtual fitting rooms, interactive corners, intelligent personal shoppers... and even the trend of the virtual shop window, designed to revolutionize the way physical stores interact with customers.
Thanks to immersive technology and the integration of Augmented Reality, the D.O.O.H trend and interactive digital displays, window displays are no longer just static showcases, but interactive experiences that capture attention even before the customer enters the store. These innovations not only enhance product visibility, but also create an emotional connection with consumersby inviting them to actively participate in the shopping experience.
In this article, we'll explore how virtual storefronts can transform the way brands attract customers, boosting interaction and engagement right from the start. In addition, we will show you real cases of success created by Imasconowhere innovation and creativity have led brands such as The Body Shop and El Corte Inglés to conquer the market. phygital worldAre you ready?
How can a virtual storefront benefit your store?
A virtual storefront can be a very powerful resource for transforming the shopping experience in your store by combining visual appeal with digital interactivity. This not only increases visibility of the brand and your productsIt also generates a memorable experience that fosters curiosity and the desire to learn more.
If we look at its definition, a virtual showcase is a digital tool that modernizes traditional showcases by integrating technologies such as Augmented Reality y interactive displays. It allows customers to explore and experience products in a dynamic and immersive way, transforming the static showcase into a more engaging and modern shopping experience.
In addition, a virtual storefront optimizes the use of the physical space, providing a competitive advantage by allowing the store to connect with consumers in innovative ways, even outside of operating hours. Below, we will discuss the top three benefits of using virtual storefronts for brands:
Space optimization
A virtual showcase allows optimize the use of physical space in an efficient manner. By incorporating interactive technologies, such as digital screens and Augmented Reality advertising contentIn addition, storefronts can offer dynamic visual experiences without the need for a large physical display space. On the other hand, thanks to the interaction data collectionIn this way, it is possible to adapt content in real time, adjusting it to the customer's preferences and behaviors.
This personalization capability allows brands to offer a unique and relevant experience, maximizing the impact of each display and ensuring that the showcase evolves according to consumer trends and specific campaigns.
Digital Out Of Home (D.O.O.H)
Virtual storefronts fit perfectly into the trend. Digital Out of Home (DOOH)which has gained great relevance in recent years. Through digital screens and interactive technologies, brands have the opportunity to reach consumers more effectively, even outside their physical stores. Virtual storefronts, being connected to the Internet, allow to offer segmented and dynamic messages, based on location, time of day and customer behavior.
This omnichannel interaction between the physical and digital world is an innovative way to engage consumers in urban and retail environmentsmaximizing brand visibility and increasing conversion.
You can learn more about this trend in more detail in the → post. How extended reality is transforming DOOH advertising.
The user does not need hardware
One of the main advantages of the virtual storefronts is that the user does not need additional hardware to interact with products. Unlike other technologies that require special devices such as Virtual Reality glasses or specific mobile applications, virtual storefronts allow consumers to engage simply by using their smartphones or by being near the storefront. This removes barriers to entry, making the experience more accessible to a wider range of users. By not relying on additional devices, the experience becomes more seamless and engaging, increasing the likelihood that customers will interact with content and make purchases.
Features of a virtual storefront that stands out to customers
Today more than ever, shop windows, and in particular, virtual shop windows, must be much more than attractive: they must be smart, functional and memorable. These showcases not only serve to display products, but also become points of connection between the brand and the customer, creating an immersive experience that reinforces branding and encourages immediate action.
If you're wondering what a virtual storefront should look like to catch eyes and convert curious onlookers into loyal shoppers, the answer lies in three key ingredients: Creativity, engagement with the public y interactive experience. Let's discover them.
Creativity, branding and experiential marketing
A virtual showcase offers an excellent opportunity to creative branding and experiential marketing that connects emotionally with consumers. By integrating visual elements, augmented reality effects or interactivity, brands can tell immersive stories that reinforce their identity and values. By inviting the audience to from storytelling to storyliving.
Virtual storefronts allow brands to go beyond simply displaying products, creating an interactive sensory experience that attracts customers and builds customer loyalty. Through unique experiences, window displays become an extension of the brand's value proposition, increasing recognition and emotional connection with consumers.
Engagement with all audiences
Virtual storefronts are a highly versatile tool, capable of attract attention, generate impact and attract all eyes, regardless of the audience or context. Thanks to their dynamic design and ability to adapt to different environments, they can be effective in a wide range of situations, from the launch of a product to the creation of a seasonal campaign, adapting the elements for Christmas, summer and other important dates.
Not being limited by physical space, virtual storefronts can be placed anywhere in the store or public space, inside or outside or in the middle of the mall, capturing the attention of a diverse audience and creating a point of interaction for all customer profiles.
In the following link you can learn more about the Retail and Leisure Technology.
Interactive experience
One of the most outstanding features of virtual storefronts is their ability to offer a interactive experienceThe new photocalls, turning them into an attractive point of contact for the customers. Whether through an augmented photocall, a virtual tester or an interactive game, consumers can actively engage with the products or the brand.
This interactivity not only increases engagement, but also allows to generate databases valuable. For example, if customers have to leave their contact information to download a photo or participate in a ranking, the brand obtains useful information for future follow-ups and promotions. This gamified and personalized approach encourages participation and loyalty, creating a more direct relationship with consumers.
You may be interested in → How experiential marketing revolutionizes interaction with the public.
Examples of virtual storefronts: Imascono success stories
To talk about virtual storefronts is to talk about innovation, but seeing them in action is what really inspires. At Imascono we have had the privilege of transform the way big brands connect with their customers, through digital experiences that combine creativity, technology and visual impact. These three success stories prove it:
Kimchi! Thor: a movie universe that you don't just see, you live it!
With Kimchi Thorwe created a virtual showcase as powerful as its protagonist. Through interactive technology and AR effects, the user not only discovers the universe of the superhero Thor, but can enter into it. Achieving a gamified experience that engaged thousands of visitors and strengthened the branding in an incredible way.
The Body Shop Kimchi!: take home your souvenir with Christmas touches
During the Christmas season, The Body Shop transformed the Atocha station in Madrid into an interactive stage that captured the attention of thousands of travelers. With an Augmented Reality photocallIn this way, passersby were able to immerse themselves in a sensory experience that combined the essence of the brand with technology. This action fostered an emotional connection with the public, incentivizing sales through rewards such as offers or prizes with a fun touch.
Ibercaja Xplora: connect with your origins
Ibercaja, as part of its commitment to connect with citizens at its headquarters, has designed the Xplora Space which has different technological experiences developed by Imascono. One of them is the virtual showcase "Immerse yourself in the Ebro" where all passers-by, passing by the iconic corner in the center of Zaragoza, become part of the experience of the bank. With this initiative, Ibercaja manages to attract close to 100,000 users a month, demonstrating how technology can enrich the customer experience and strengthen the relationship with the community.
Do you want to transform the way your customers discover your brand? At Imascono we are ready to design your next virtual storefront, combining creativity, technology and emotion. Contact us at and let's talk about how we can take your phygital presence to the next level.
