SCS launches new concept store as part of new customer experience strategy
Furniture retailer SCS has announced the opening of a new concept store in Coventry that’s designed to support the way customers now shop.
Online shopping has completely changed the shopping experience for customers and retailers need to adapt to demands. For SCS, whose physical stores still hold great importance in allowing customers to experience products before buying, it was key to create an omnichannel experience for customers who browse online and purchase in-store, or vice versa.
The new concept store will include visual and interactive digital displays and an innovative and inspiring showroom to help customers create the home they love.
The 18,000 sq. ft store is the first of its kind for the company and launched earlier this month following a complete re-fit.
Shoppers will be able to touch and feel the retailer’s sofa and dining ranges and explore the dedicated flooring zone with over 200 options to browse with the ability to take home samples. Shoppers will also be able to browse a dining chair gallery, as well as newly launched lighting products.
The physical product offerings will be supported by new digital ‘endless aisles’ for customers to browse the retailer’s full product catalogue. The endless aisles are digital stations that allow shoppers to browse detailed product information, customer reviews and create shareable wish-lists on large interactive screens.
A new App has also been launched for SCS colleagues and shoppers to co-browse and utilise new room visualisation tools. Shoppers can also scan QR codes on all products to discover detailed information.
The launch of the concept store comes shortly after the launch of the business’ Digital Lounge, a bespoke office, also within the Gallagher Retail Park store, dedicated to supporting the retailer’s omnichannel ambitions.
To celebrate the store launch, SCS invited interior designer and TV personality, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen to officially open the store and welcome shoppers through the doors.
Speaking on the launch of the new store and SCS’ digital vision, Steve Carson, CEO at SCS said: “Customers want to see and feel the products they’re buying before they purchase, so having a store where we can combine the efficiency of digital and the experience of in-store really helps us create a space that our customers, and employees, will benefit from. We’re excited to see how this omni-channel approach will support shoppers and explore ways to roll this out across further stores.”
