Virtual Reality Comes to Life at Vera Bradley

Posted on February 28, 2018 by bermanevansretail

To create an outstanding customer experience, many firms want to use new high-tech tools. Thus, some now experiment with artificial intelligence. And others track shoppers online and in stores. Still other firms market voice-activated digital assistants and employ online chatbots. In addition, virtual reality is gaining popularity. In this instance, we can learn a lot about Virtual Reality Comes to Life at Vera Bradley Stores.

 

What Is Virtual Reality?

Before we turn to the Vera Bradley example, let’s explain the premise of virtual reality (VR). Please note: VR is a great tool to enhance the customer experience, both online and in the store.

According to TechTarget:

Virtual reality is an artificial environment created with software. And then presented to the user in such a way that the user accepts it as reality. On a computer, virtual reality is primarily experienced by sight and sound. The simplest VR involves a 3-D image. It can be explored interactively at a PC. Usually by moving keys or the mouse. In this way, the image moves in some direction or zooms in or out. Advanced efforts involve wrap-around display screens, actual rooms augmented with wearable computers, and haptics devices that let you feel the images.”

 

Virtual Reality Comes to Life at Vera Bradley Stores — See How It Works Online

Vera Bradley designs and retails women’s handbags, luggage and travel items, fashion and home accessories, and gift items. As a multichannel retailer, it runs its own stores and a full-feature Web business. In addition, it sells through third-party retailers.

In 2017, Vera Bradley introduced virtual reality into stores. Why? According to Eric Feigenbaum, writing for vmsd:

“Due to the retailer’s limited store footprint in most sites, it decided to showcase its new collections in an unusual, attention-grabbing way. Harry Cunningham, its VP of creative services, says, ‘The ability to shop virtually essentially extends the four walls of the physical store. Thus, we can share even more products and expand on the brand experience.”

Besides visiting a Vera Bradley store, we can gain a VR experience below. Or close to a VR experience. 🙂

If you visit the VR site, this popup appears. [Note: This site is for demonstration purposes. The actual Vera Bradley AR experience only works in stores.] Click the popup to access the site. Once at the site, scroll to the + signs.

 
Virtual Reality Comes to Life at Vera Bradley Stores
 
Virtual Reality Comes to Life at Vera Bradley Stores
 

Posted in Part 2: Ownership, Strategy Mix, Online, Nontraditional, Part 3: Targeting Customers and Gathering Information, Part 5: Managing a Retail Business, Part 7: Communicating with the Customer, Technology in Retailing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

How to Live in the Cloud

Posted on February 27, 2018 by bermanevansretail

With many firms now allowing employees to work off premises, we see the use of cloud software rising. Thus, how to live in the cloud takes on more importance than ever. Yet, we don’t always know about all of the facets of cloud security. And today, we address that issue. 

 

Overview: How to Live in the Cloud

For us as individuals, cloud computing is often not understood. Or our use of the cloud even recognized. So, look at this interesting infographic from Logicalis about a typical day in the cloud. Do at least some of these activities look familiar to you?

How to Live in the Cloud -- A Day in the Cloud

 

How to Live in the Cloud: A Cyber Security Infographic

Now, we turn to being cyber secure in the cloud from business perspective. As noted above, off-premises employers often connect to work through the cloud. And that means handling particular cloud-based cyber security issues.

According to Keir Thomas-Bryant of Sage Advice:

“Cloud computing lets workers access company data and applications via the Internet. Anywhere and anytime. As a result, everyday tasks can be automated and performed on laptops, tablets, or even smartphones. Thus, by managing your cash flow with cloud accounting software, workers could end up more efficient and productive.”

“In the future, cloud investment will continue increasing by 20% per year as firms plan to cut IT costs. And  maximize agility. And improve business function support. Keeping critical data and systems secure remains a key concern for firms considering a move to the cloud.”

Look at our infographic on staying safe in the cloud. It offers a walk-through of the biggest threats to cloud security that businesses face today. And it outlines how firms should tackle these. Also, it points out the tools and best practices for IT professionals to consider when adopting the cloud.”

Click the infographic for a larger version.

How to Live in the Cloud - A Cyber Security Infographic
 

Posted in Part 2: Ownership, Strategy Mix, Online, Nontraditional, Part 3: Targeting Customers and Gathering Information, Part 5: Managing a Retail Business, Part 7: Communicating with the Customer, Privacy and Identity Theft Issues, Technology in Retailing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Accenture Videos on Consumer Shopping

Posted on February 26, 2018 by bermanevansretail

Today, we present two videos from global consulting giant Accenture.

 

The first video deals with people’s online shopping attitudes, including the trade-offs they recognize.

 

The second video discusses: “Are city shoppers getting secondhand treatment?”

After watching the video, click on the image below it to access the full Accenture report on this issue.

 

 

Posted in Online Retailing, Part 2: Ownership, Strategy Mix, Online, Nontraditional, Part 3: Targeting Customers and Gathering Information, Part 7: Communicating with the Customer, Video Clips (non-career) | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment