Scheels is harvesting a social media bonanza from a new kiosk it installed at its Sandy, UT store that enables customers to take pictures of themselves against a variety of backgrounds using augmented reality kiosk.
The kiosk is just one more way the Minnesota retailer is seeking to deliver a unique experience to its customers, who have been responding by sending 250-400 e-mails a day from the kiosk.
Scheels’ iPad-run Augmented Reality photo experience begins with an ArmorActive iPad kiosk mount and stand to secure and station the iPad. Users stand in front of the iPad with a mini green screen in their hands. Scheels’ augmented reality app replaces the green screen with a 3D image chosen by the user from a list of options–a fish, a shark, or something else altogether. After taking the picture they can send the picture to their email or share it with their friends.
“This new photo experience is very popular with Scheels’ customers and a smart marketing strategy overall,” says Nick Ames, CMO of ArmorActive. “At any time, there are groups waiting to take their turn with the application. Users love playing with the iPad and sending the pictures to their friends, spreading the Scheels brand and advertising their customer experience.”
“The iPad offers all kinds of new and creative ways to engage customers,” Ames adds. “The future of customer interaction and in-person marketing is in secure tablet technology and innovative applications like Sheel's Augmented Reality experience.”
Since opening their first sporting goods store in Minnesota in 1902, Scheels, a family owned company, has spread their reach to 24 stores in 10 states, with their biggest store located in Sparks, Nevada at 295,000-square-feet total–the largest sporting goods and outdoor retail center in the world. Scheels sells products for nearly every outdoor activity possible and boasts an impressive fashion department for all ages as well.
