Kiosk Solutions Apr-May 2016 | Page 13

omni-channel retail Enhancing Customer Service Given their inherent versatility, kiosks can become part of a retailer’s omni-channel customer engagement strategy. By Star Micronics Introduction Kiosks have been present for years, but their role and functionality is evolving. Challenged by advances in mobile technology and a demand for more compact and sophisticated designs, the kiosk has had to carve a new niche for itself. Given their inherent versatility, kiosks can become part of a retailer’s overall omni-channel customer engagement strategy offering users a convenient endless aisle experience across various categories, as well as providing a means of reducing waiting times and creating a more personalised customer service. International POS printer manufacturer Star Micronics and leading kiosk manufacturer Evoke Creative have worked with major retailers and some of the world’s biggest brands. Focusing on enhanced customer service, Evoke designed both the kiosk and product management software for a kiosk that allows customers to create their own bakery product. With the market for both personalisation and baking ever increasing, customer demand now exists for a convenient way to incorporate a one-off cake order within their regular supermarket trip. The customer can view, choose, customise, purchase and arrange collection of their cake while the kiosk sends the order directly to the bakery and generates real-time information on performance and trends. Famous for cakes, pastries and artisan bread in their native Islington, Euphorium Bakery jump started their expansion with a partnership with global grocery giant Tesco. A key feature of their concessions in Tesco stores is a self-order kiosk for customers to create, order and pay for personalised celebration cakes. Operating at multiple locations within range of the M25, the Euphorium kiosks have reduced waiting time in store, allowed staff to focus on serving KIOSK solutions 13