As technology continues to evolve, many retail store owners are finding the need to update their space to increase customer appeal and initiate more interaction with them. Zacky’s, an independently-owned retail clothing store in downtown Manhattan, opened in 1994 and after almost 15 years, needed a technology makeover. Selling everything from shoes to jeans, Zacky’s is a trendy urban store that accommodates people of all ages and nationalities, specifically catering to its numerous tourist customers. Modernizing the store to reflect a more progressive atmosphere and connect more with customers did not come without its challenges, though.

The Goal

When owner Joseph Joseph began to brainstorm an update for his store, he had a few guidelines in mind to keep the project on track. First, he wanted to take advantage of the spacious two-floor mezzanine of glass windows to intrigue potential customers walking by on the busy streets of Manhattan. Additionally, Joseph wanted to gain interaction with customers browsing the store. Creating a unique installation that would both entertain and educate shoppers was the ultimate goal while simultaneously creating a “wow factor.”

After determining that dynamic digital signage was the route to take in livening up the store, Joseph began planning the construction, using customers as the key focus. He worked with an architect to design the layout, and in their discussions, formulated an arrangement in which the new displays could be controlled as either individual units or as a group. This function would provide Joseph with the flexibility he needed to manage content appropriately, such as categorizing store departments or synchronizing displays store-wide for sales, branding and promotions.

How’d They Do It?

Zacky’s interior utilizes more than 70 NEC displays throughout its two-floor space in addition to a video wall that uses 54 40” displays (in a 3×18 configuration) in the front window. This head-turning wall invites customers into Zacky’s from the street with smooth, waterfall-like content. Once inside, shoppers are engaged by music videos displayed on 22” NEC AccuSync LCD224WXM-BK monitors, which are mounted back-to-back and angled down from the ceiling at 45° for easy viewing. The front window video wall and various displays along the store’s walls and checkout area are comprised of 46” NEC MultiSync LCD4620 displays. These monitors allow customer interaction with dynamic store content, such as vendor promotions, product information and daily sales. The displays also flash vendor content and advertisements, while categorizing the store’s copious inventory.

The content can be quickly customized and updated, making it easy to keep customers educated on vital store information while simultaneously captivating their attention. Additionally, touchscreen displays by the checkout area enable Zacky’s to thank customers after their purchase by having their country flag displayed alongside the message of gratitude in their own native language. Zacky’s also has the ability to take the customer’s photo and display it on the video wall as they exit the store, adding a personalized touch to their experience. Such unique, and sometimes quirky, content embodies the fun spirit of Zacky’s and gives the store an upbeat atmosphere.