News

The Bay testing virtual greeter

February 21, 2012

The Bay is testing a virtual greeter at its flagship store in downtown Toronto, according to a story on theglobeandmail.com.

Anna, a 5-foot 8-inch, life-like digital image projected in a glass tower, welcomes shoppers and explains the store's new interactive display of high-end gifts.

The system, powered by 4D Retail Technology Corp., cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop, but 4D doesn't charge the Bay for using it in exchange for having the store place it in a prominent main-floor space.

"We're investigating, like all retailers, what's next for us," said Alison Coville, a senior vice-president at the Bay. "Anna is there to stop you. It's intriguing when you see this attractive woman standing on a mirrored screen. She talks to you a little about the boutique and what's happening. The screens and the displays do the silent selling."

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