The reality of virtual salesclerks
, Have not been used before in Canada.La Boutique is the latest innovative endeavour from Bonnie Brooks, president of The Bay, who has refreshed the company’s stores and merchandise assortment to draw new customers and improve sales at the chain, whose sales had flagged under prior ownership and competition.
“I think it demonstrates that we are looking at what the next evolution of retailing is,” said Alison Coville, senior vice-president of private brand design and development at The Bay. “That we are current, exciting, unique.
“Our whole platform is trying to build products and brands that are differentiating us from other retailers … if nothing else, the consumer is looking at [Anna] going, ‘I haven’t seen this before.’ “
While many consumers may be inside a retail store, Ms. Coville says, “it doesn’t mean that they are stimulated and looking. This creates that theatre.”
Attention-getting uses of technology are becoming more popular in retail.