Studies show that 60% of mall shoppers aren’t “on a mission” to buy, they are "just" there to look around. But they "are" open to suggestion, so interactive kiosks provide an ideal resource to help them find that special something. In-store and in-mall kiosks offer the techno-touch and personalized experience customers crave these days.

Kiosks even save you money. They enable customers to handle their own transactions, and they can help employees work more efficiently.

How might you incorporate interactive kiosks in your environment?

1. Nothing says “interactive” like video. Mirrors can double as video screens, triggering footage of a particular product when a shopper walks by or pauses. Videos or digital images can be projected onto giant wall-screen kiosks, or incorporated into smaller free-standing or display-specific fixtures.

2. Install an interactive screen in your display window, so shoppers can use it when the store is closed to “thumb through” your merchandise.

3. One company has developed a new app for interactive kiosks that links shoppers with stores within a mall. Customers can become a member of the system and use their card to activate printed-out coupons, and stores can capture shopper data for marketing. The system enhances customer experience with just-for-me targeted deals. Mall shoppers who aren’t members can still use the touchscreen to find information about individual stores.
   
   This same principle could be applied to a single store or chain. Offering “suggestive” discounts to customers as they enter the store encourages impulse purchasing, and the exclusivity of membership builds loyalty.

4. Use a kiosk to capture customer data when they join your loyalty club or sign up to receive email news and specials. Invite customers to use their smartphone to share images of themselves using your merchandise, then project the images in your window or around the store.

5. One of the hottest uses for interactive kiosks is product customization. Audi enables new car buyers to tailor their dream model in a “showroom” that contains no actual cars. Your customers could do the same to customize everything from fragrances to computers to greeting cards.

6. For stores with a wide product range but limited space, interactive kiosks make it easy for shoppers to see every possible option. They can use touchscreens to check product availability and order items to be delivered in-store or at home. Employees can check and manage inventory without leaving the sales floor.
   
   
7. In the hands of your sales team, mobile “kiosks” in the form of iPads or tablets can significantly boost customer experience. Many big-name retailers such as Nordstrom use mobile devices to assist shoppers in finding just the right items and to check them out right on the spot. No tracking down the cash wrap, no waiting in line.

Creative use of interactive kiosks can make your store more attractive to shoppers. These “silent salespeople” increase sales by helping shoppers help themselves and freeing up your human staff for more meaningful one-on-one interactions.