Phase two of the Gucci Immersive Retail Experience begins

Thanks to the cutting-edge technologies developed by Gucci’s partner, OOOii, one of Hollywood’s leading technological innovators, which will gradually be incorporated into Gucci’s flagship direct stores, customers will be able to enjoy unique, engaging digital interaction with the brand in-store.

Fundamental support was provided by Gucci’s Information Technology Department, which contributed to developing and implementing this multi-channel approach, according to which brick-and-mortar stores and the virtual store www.gucci.com will be able to offer similar, complementary shopping experiences.

Patrizio di Marco, Gucci’s President and CEO, explained: “With this project, and especially the development of the fully interactive phase two, we are showing that we remain committed to effective investment in developing unique and innovative ways of engaging with customers through the application of new technologies. The Gucci Immersive Retail Experience initiative breaks new ground in the enrichment of the experience we provide to our customers in our direct store network."

Phase two of the revolutionary the Immersive Retail Experience project, set to make its debut at the Gucci’s flagship Monte Napoleone store in Milan, will take the form of a variety of engaging experiences.

Five columns of super high resolution displays manufactured by Planar Systems, a global leader in digital display technology, will show images of the fashion show – three for the women's show and two for the men's show – located in the respective areas of the store. The displays – highly efficient, ultra-thin, 46” and 55” Planar Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall displays – are arranged so that they almost seem to form a single surface, which, together with the graphics engine provided by OOOii, will be used to reproduce life-size interactive images, thus transforming the Monte Napoleone store into one of most technologically advanced boutiques in the luxury sector.

Thanks to special Kinect technology, customers and staff will be able to interact with the images using simple gestures to fast-forward and rewind or freeze the images of the show to take in a look or detail of interest to the customer.

During phase two, stores will also provide access to iPads running an application known as the Virtual Catalogue, allowing easy interaction with the video columns and 360-degree viewing of models to appreciate every detail of the products shown on the catwalk.

The inclusion of an interactive shopping feature is an essential component. Customers can use a 32” high-definition screen to interact with the purses and products in the leather goods and lifestyle categories available in the store, classified by icons, materials, colors and evergreen or new products.