by Tool allows store sales reps to help customers configure product at the store location based on available inventory
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Intiaro Inc., a provider of 3D visualization and augmented realty technology for the furniture industry, is taking its services to the next level in a way that will help retailers and their customers.
The company has launched its new (Design Board) DB3D Design Stations at several key retailers including Baer’s, International Design Source and Theory Design.
This launch aims to bring a technology typically associated with e-commerce to the physical store location, allowing store sales representatives the ability to access full inventory with real time information.
“Retailers can now train their employees using a single tool to manage all inventory in-store,” the company said. “Having all their best-sellers available in one configurator is a huge benefit because customers must see to believe.”
This digital platform also allows the sales rep to help the customer customize product right in the store using a configurator, thus allowing the customer to view a product in multiple fabric and leather options as well as with different hardware and finish options.
“Imagine a sofa with 40 different fabric options and 20 different accessories,” the company said, noting that the configurator simplifies the customization process by eliminating space a retailer needs to showcase multiple options. “A retailer would never stock everything that is possible to produce…However, having a configurator in a kiosk on their floor may one day lead to space reduction because it will no longer be necessary to present multiple options.”
The company said that research shows that letting customers view options in the store also significantly increases the likelihood the customer will place an order.
The company said this new platform also will benefit manufacturers by offering a “one-stop solution” for all store inventory, serving as a visualizer and configurator, sales and training tool all in one.
“The traditional path for manufacturers to earn slots on the retail floor take up a lot of resources – time and money,” Intiaro said. “Those slots are increasingly difficult to win not only due to increased competition, but the retail square footage evolving – in many cases decreasing… A manufacturer only needs to be on the platform to leverage technology that’s proven to increase engagement and sales, allowing the brand to access to purchasing power through interior designers, retail sales professionals and the consumer, placing them at the center of the transaction.”
In a recent post on its LinkedIn page Theory Design said it was pleased to partner with Intiaro on this new initiative.
“We have launched one of the first on-site kiosks that brings custom furniture to life in 3D,” said Chris Hensley, vice president Theory Design. “The DB3D platform is an open protocol multi-vendor solution that allows our designers to build, view, export in 3D, and print custom spec sheets for our clients. We are excited for the opportunity this brings our design team and we look forward to the growth of the platform as new furnishing vendors come on board.”
The company said that several major brands are already on-board, including Century, Lexington, Kravet, Theodore Alexander, Ambella Home, and more.
