Karen Millen Launches B2B-Only Tech Concept Store

UK retail technologist Retail Assist recently partnered with British fashion brand Karen Millen on a micro retail tech expo, showcasing a number of in-store technologies for a B2B-only audience.

Contextualising the tech, the three-day-long inspiration event for retailers, trade journalists and bloggers was held in a Karen Millen-branded space at Hoxton Gallery in east London. Visitors were given free 45-minute guided tours and the opportunity to network with affiliate tech partners later, via Retail Assist’s website.

The three most notable innovations were:

• Smart Inventory: Tablets featuring inventory-managing software connected to a Bluetooth scanning device allowed staff to check-in deliveries straight onto the shop floor, process transfers from store to store, check stock, browse the e-tail site and process emails and store instructions. Dubbed ‘Merret’ and developed by Retail Assist, it’s already in use by Karen Millen.

• Tech-Enhanced Fitting Room: Created by Portuguese retail innovation company InovRetail, the tablet-based fitting room management system lets customers call sales staff or request different sizes/colours without leaving their cubicle, and suggest matching items if a product fits well. All behavioural data is stored and relayed back to the retailer – including the impact of atmospherics such as temperature, humidity and noise levels on revenue.

• Time-Delayed Mirror: British RFID supplier Catalyst showcased a time-delay tech mirror that films shoppers’ movements, allowing them to watch themselves turning to face the mirror again, assessing outfits from different angles. Customers can share or retain the videos.

See also Smart Stores, Subtle In-Store Tech and Future-Facing Fitting Rooms.