An increasing number of retailers are leveraging cutting-edge technologies that enhance personalization in the brick-and-mortar environment. The solutions are designed to help bridge the gap between digital and brick-and-mortar experiences.

FaceCake Swivel, for one, uses a Visual Demonstration System (VDS) that allows consumers to test products and services in a virtual setting. With Swivel, shoppers can “try on” clothing, accessories and jewelry — without stepping into a fitting room. With just a few clicks, consumers can coordinate items presented from multiple departments, and view both full body and close-up perspectives. During the try-on process, shoppers can save favorite items, build a “virtual closet” and/or wish list, and share potential purchases across social networks.

Current and thorough customer feedback is essential for retailers striving to provide the most in-demand products, increase sales, improve customer relations and generally fine-tune business operations.

For instant, on-the-spot feedback, Benbria, a provider of real-time customer engagement and customer notification solutions, introduced BlazeLoop CE. The mobile-based customer engagement platform provides one-to-one connection between customers and retail staff, in real time. The platform collects data through a variety of collection points: web app, SMS/text, email, mobile app, in-store and kiosk.

Retailers face high expectations from brand partners that want clear ROI data about marketing development funds (MDF) and co-op campaigns. To ensure successful in-store marketing initiatives, progressive retailers are tracking the entire brick-and-mortar shopping journey, from initial awareness to in-store behavior and actual transaction.

Jingit is an interactive mobile app and online service that rewards consumers with money — not points or virtual currency — for watching online ads, shopping for select products at their favorite stores or taking feedback surveys. The service was designed to help retailers connect with shoppers in a more authentic and personal way through the entire path to purchase.

As retailing continues to evolve into an omnichannel environment digital messaging featured  in stores must be consistent with other channels.

To help centralize control of in-store digital messaging, Lavi Industrires has introduced the Qtrac Media Manager. Merchants with one monitor or numerous displays across multiple regions can coordinate and make real-time changes to in-store digital messaging, as easily as managing an iTunes account, according to Lavi.