Networking News

Here’s A Look At The Coolest Retail Tech We Found Inside Cisco’s Connected Store

The Cisco Connected Store is a living lab for the latest in retail technology. Some of it’s already on the market; others are still in the “idea phase” and Cisco’s store is the playground to test them out.

“There are three main objectives to the program,” said Justin Brocato as he took CRNtv on a tour of the store at Cisco’s headquarters in San Jose, Calif. “First, it’s all about the brand and building brand awareness, so all the merchandise and digital signage is all about capturing that personality. Secondly, it’s all about the employee and pride. We want our employees to love working at Cisco and this is how we can achieve that. And, lastly, it’s a technology showcase, so everything you see here is real. It’s a real business we are operating.”

Remodeled in 2018, the store doesn’t only improve the customer’s experience, but the sales associate’s as well. A 70-inch Webex Board and DOMO Analytics help associates to collaborate with one another and visualize real-time sales data, so they know what’s selling. Plus, Meraki cameras installed on the ceiling, using World Wide Technology Asynchrony Software, give the staff a real-time look at what’s happening around the store.

But that’s not all those cameras can do.

The Meraki surveillance cameras also work in conjunction with Cisco Vision Dynamic Signage to notify staff when items are stolen. A message broadcasting the theft immediately appears on the store’s screens.

It all comes as research by McKinsey finds that over 60 percent of consumers are open to paying with a phone, while also preferring a more personalized experience. You can learn more about how Cisco is incorporating those trends inside its store in CRNtv’s video.