Walmart Canada is continuing its work with Nurun throughout 2014 to introduce new in-store technologies that will provide consumers with a more consistent shopping experience both in-store and online.
The Montreal-based global design and technology consulting company (which is owned by Québecor Média) worked with Walmart last year to launch Walmart.ca – the retailer’s responsively designed e-commerce site.
This year, the companies are trying to expand that multichannel offering into the physical stores through what Walmart calls “extended aisle” services. Those could include in-store kiosks that link online shopping lists to in-store maps, as well as providing customers with additional product additional info.
Integrating digital and in-store experiences is a growing trend among retailers, as more shoppers use their smartphones to compare prices while shopping. Increasingly, retailers have been test-driving interactive screens and trying to own the mobile experience within their brick-and-mortar locations.
“There is an enormous opportunity for large retailers to take additional share of wallet by being faster, smarter, and leaner in the design and deployment of digital-enabled solutions to the in-store environment,” said Emily Bond, executive vice-president and general manager of Nurun in Toronto.
Nurun said its focused on providing a consistent experience, and it will help bring the customization and service customers are used to online to life.
“We’re committed to providing Canadians with an unparalleled one-stop shopping experience – whether they choose to shop online or in-store,” said Simon Rodrigue, vice-president of e-commerce and general manager of Walmart.ca, in a release.
Specific details about the work are not available, though Nurun has said it has been tasked with handling consumer research, interaction and visual design, development and project management for the initiative.
