Staples goes digital

Staples announced this week it's launching a major digital signage and kiosk initiative for their smaller urban store locations.   If this pilot project proves to be successful, there is no doubt Staples will probably consider rolling this out across their entire store network.

This is a really smart move from a top tier retailer that is sure to have repercussions across the industry.  We keep hearing about retailers trying to cope with the "showrooming" phenomenon.  Well this is a step in the right direction.

Multiple in-store kiosks will let shoppers browse Staple's entire product catalog and even place orders for office furniture.  Digital signage screens located at the store's entrance will inform shoppers of current promotions and in-store delivery services.

The goal is to increase sales per square foot using mainstream technologies.  I haven't read anything online about RFID, NFC or anything along those lines.  Sticking with reliable, time tested technologies simply means this project has a better chance of success.

There is a place for pushing the envelope and this is not it.  I wish the folks at Staples all the best with this and am looking forward to seeing the program implemented at my local store.