'Raleigh TV' bike portal now in stores
Posted on in Business News ,Brands & Products News , Cycles News by Accell UK and Ireland
Raleigh enhancing in-store shopping experience
With all the options available to consumers when shopping online or on their mobiles, customers have come to expect a more personal and engaging experience when shopping in-store too.
So what can retailers do to enhance store experience for their customers? Ofcom research has found that UK consumers are adopting the latest technology to optimise their video viewing experience, and retailers should be grasping this as an opportunity to use in-store video to stimulate interaction.
This is exactly what Raleigh have done with their groundbreaking interactive in-store console, Raleigh TV - now broadcasting at selected dealers.
Raleigh TV is a state-of-the art internet portal which has been built from the ground up to enhance customer experience and provide dealers with a range of digital selling tools.
Mark Gouldthorp, Raleigh Managing Director, said: "At Raleigh we recognise the increasing importance of digital media and communications to our customers and dealers. Raleigh TV acts as an interactive 'window' to Raleigh's multimedia rich online world.
"These 24" touch screen monitors play a wide and frequently updated selection of videos featuring Raleigh's products in action with just the tap of the screen. Customers are also able to see our bikes and parts in all their high definition, 360 degree glory thanks to our iSpin photography technology.
"Having a Raleigh TV means dealers are no longer limited by the space on their shop floor. Customers and dealers can see live stock information and know anything not immediately available in store can be ordered through Raleigh and promptly delivered directly to store.
"Raleigh TV can also be used to order electronic versions of our catalogues, allowing us to capture customer data and share it with dealers so they can communicate personalised news and offers."
The console has been piloted at selected Raleigh stockists, including Freedom Cycles, Lichfield, On Yer Bike in Mansfield, and The Bike Factory, Chester and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Customer Feedback
Craig Edwards, of On Yer Bike, Mansfield, said:
"We love having Raleigh TV in store. The console attracts a lot of attention and acts as a great aid to our salesmen who can use the console to clearly illustrate the benefits of each bike in the range.
"Our shop is close to Sherwood Pines, which is really popular with mountain bikers, and it's great to be able show customers videos of Raleigh's bikes in action on the same trails they are likely to frequent.
"We also really appreciate the data capture function which allows us to send Raleigh catalogues direct to local shoppers who can opt to receive future offers."
David Parry, of The Bike Factory, said:
"The new Raleigh TV is proving to be a big hit with both staff and customers alike.
Customers have found it simple to use providing a bang up to date system that is very popular.
Its simple and straightforward to use and adds a focal point to Raleigh bike and accessory sales.
The image it portrays really does bring Raleigh into the 21st century with a bang.
The potential it offers as a sales tool is immense and its value in advertising the brand cannot be understated.
"We are really looking forward to the future with our partner Raleigh and the future development of Raleigh."
And Debby Whiting of Freedom Cycles, said: "When we heard about Raleigh TV we wanted to sign up straight away; we love the concept.
"We've had our Raleigh TV for two months and we've found customers are going out of their way to see what it's capable of.
"We think its a fantastic, modern way of interacting with our customers with a very clean and fresh look which is a big improvement on the old way of flicking through a catalogue at the shop counter.
"We had one customer who was thoroughly impressed he could order a catalogue and receive it almost instantly on his phone."
Get involved
As new developments in technology emerge, the customer experience will continue to mature. But to ensure they're not arriving to the party late, high street stores need to ensure the way they use video is evolving as well.
The high street still has a place in the shopping journey but its role has shifted, and it now needs to offer a more dynamic experience. Video is a powerful platform to attract shoppers and retailers must exploit its potential.
Raleigh TV will be rolled out to selected dealers across summer 2013.
Stores interested in having their own Raleigh TV should contact their local Raleigh account manager for more information.
This news item and any images have been submitted directly by an ACT supplier member. Any views expressed in this story are not necessarily those of the ACT.