Majid Al Futtaim creates Store of the Future in Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim, has announced the launch of its new ‘Store of the future’, which not only creates a more compelling and enjoyable shopping experience but also a simplified one. The first retailer to take over the cutting-edge space is THAT Concept Store, Majid Al Futtaim’s home-grown, luxury destination.

For the first time ever in the region, customers and visitors in Dubai will get the exclusive chance to interact with the unique, fully digital, and physical concept store. The store will elevate the traditional shopping experience by incorporating digital retail to introduce customers to a futuristic shopping journey. This will be created through five of Cisco’s core technology features: Digital Display Canvas, Lift & Learn, Magic Mirror, Beauty Mirror, and Store Analytics.

The arrival of the “Store of the Future” reflects a growing trend for greater in-store personalisation. Digital display screens will welcome customers into the store and will create an immersive atmosphere with the help of artificial intelligence and computer vision. The digital content on the screens will change based on anonymous facial analytics, such as gender and age group. This way every customer has a unique product discovery journey when they walk through the store.

“The retail industry is constantly evolving to meet the needs of customers worldwide. Creating a seamless, interactive, engaging, safe and personalised customer experience are five of the main drivers for this digital development. We’ve learnt over the past two years that everyone needs to feel comfortable and safe when visiting malls, which is why one of reasons that the “Store of the Future” was designed was to provide an experience that simplifies shopping and offers limited contact when compared to a traditional store. Renowned for our pioneering shopping malls, communities, retail and leisure experiences, we look forward to adapting this space for more brands to enjoy and continuing to change the face of retail by creating enriching, and memorable experiences for our customers, guests and employees alike,” said Fuad Sharaf, Managing Director, UAE Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties.

Personalisation is enhanced through the Lift & Learn feature, which customises recommendations and displays a product’s information on screen once it is picked up by a customer from the shelf. Adding to the product discovery journey, the Magic Mirror helps customers browse a variety of products, which are available on online stores, through an embedded digital and interactive touch display.

Additionally, the Beauty Mirror limits the physical contact aspect of discovering beauty products and makeup by helping customers try them through augmented reality and interactive touch. The customer’s purchasing journey not only protects their health and wellbeing, but also ensures that they do not undergo the hassle of removing and reapplying makeup. This feature aims to support customers in making the best decision with the greatest ease when purchasing.

The store’s advanced technology leverages Wireless Infrastructure Location Service Analytics and intelligent cloud-based ceiling cameras to provide consumer behaviour insights and analytics. The number of visitors, demographics, footfall heatmaps, dwell times, sentiment analysis, store capacity, physical distancing, and facemask compliance are detected to elevate future experiences, and continue the efficient implementation of social distancing and safety rules.