Sales promotion support apparatus, sales promotion support method, and sales promotion support program

Abstract

To predict sales in a real store by previously executing a commodity sales measure in a virtual store imitating the real store, and to expand commodity sales in the real store. The information processing apparatus includes means for executing a first sales measure in the virtual shop, means for calculating a virtual shop sales amount after the execution of the first sales measure in the virtual shop, means for determining whether or not the virtual shop sales amount after the execution of the first sales measure is larger than a virtual shop target value, and means for executing a second sales measure in the virtual shop when it is determined that the virtual shop sales amount is larger than the virtual shop target value. The information processing apparatus includes means for executing a first sales measure in the virtual shop, means for calculating a virtual shop sales amount after the execution of the first sales measure in the virtual shop, means for determining whether or not the virtual shop sales amount after the execution of the first sales measure is larger than a virtual shop target value, and means for executing a second sales measure in the virtual shop when it is determined that the virtual shop sales amount is smaller than the virtual shop target value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for promoting the sale of goods and services. Prior Technology

[0002] A digital twin is a mechanism that uses IoT (Internet of Things) and sensing technologies to obtain the state and behavior of physical objects in the real world and then reproduces that physical model in the virtual world in real time. Besides design and development using CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) and motion simulation for industrial robots, digital twin technology is also used in sports broadcasting to reproduce the movements of athletes on a computer.

[0003] In this context, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a digital twin management device that uses digital twins to appropriately display objects existing in physical space in virtual space. [Known Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-100552 Summary of the Invention

[0005] [Problem to be solved by the present invention] However, in the retail industry, an important issue is to continuously increase the turnover and sales volume of goods. However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, there are problems such as the inability to apply rare innovative technologies to promote sales in the retail industry.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a promotional support device that predicts the sales situation of physical stores by pre-implementing a product sales strategy in a virtual store that simulates a physical store, and pursues the expansion of product sales in physical stores. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the promotional support device disclosed in this invention is characterized by comprising: a physical store information storage means for storing the physical store's sales revenue related to a predetermined product before the implementation of a first sales strategy; a virtual store information storage means for storing the virtual store's sales revenue related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy in a virtual store simulating the physical store; a virtual store implementation means for providing an environment for selling the predetermined product in the virtual store; a virtual store strategy implementation means for implementing the first sales strategy related to the predetermined product in the virtual store; a first verification value calculation means for calculating the virtual store's sales revenue related to the predetermined product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store; and a first target determination means for determining the target. The first sales strategy is implemented to determine whether the virtual store revenue related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the virtual store target value set based on the virtual store revenue related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy; the physical store strategy implementation means, if determined to be greater than the virtual store target value, to implement the first sales strategy related to the given product in the physical store; the second verification value calculation means, to calculate the physical store revenue related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the physical store; the second target determination means, to determine whether the physical store revenue related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the physical store target value, which is based on the first sales strategy implementation means. The strategy is based on the assumption that the increase in physical store sales related to the given product before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy is proportional to the increase in virtual store sales related to the given product before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy; and a means of re-implementing the virtual store strategy, in which a second sales strategy related to the given product is implemented in the virtual store if it is determined to be smaller than the target value of the physical store; the first and second sales strategies are strategies used to promote sales related to the given product, including: changes in the price of the given product; changes in the packaging of the given product; notifications of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information in the application; the use of digital stamps in the application; and the use of a points system based on in-store behavior; Notifications of product information within the application; display of promotional flyers within the application; provision of rewards and discounts based on customer segmentation according to usage status; provision of games for earning points or coupons; provision of location display functionality for product searches within the application; provision of in-store guidance functionality within the application; provision of real-time notification functionality within the application triggered by in-store sensors; provision of AI-powered conversational customer service functionality; provision of advertising display functionality within the application when the user is near a digital signage unit; provision of detailed information related to digital signage advertisements within the application; provision of payment functionality within the application; notifications of prescription information within the application.Notifications of digital receipt information for the application; provision of past usage record confirmation functions within the application; implementation of in-store demonstration sales; implementation of point-of-purchase advertising; provision of promotional information via digital billboards; provision of advertising gifts; utilization of point systems; implementation of sample distribution; implementation of food and beverage tastings; changes to store layout; changes to product display locations; installation of promotional equipment; installation of display banners and flags; or changes to in-store background music.

[0008] Furthermore, one embodiment of the promotional support device disclosed in this invention is characterized by comprising: a physical store information storage means for storing the sales volume of the physical store related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy in the physical store; a virtual store information storage means for storing the sales volume of the virtual store related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy in a virtual store simulating the physical store; a virtual store implementation means for providing an environment for selling the predetermined product in the virtual store; a virtual store strategy implementation means for implementing the first sales strategy related to the predetermined product in the virtual store; a first verification value calculation means for calculating the sales volume of the virtual store related to the predetermined product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store; and a first target judgment means. The system employs several methods: a first method to determine whether the sales volume of virtual stores related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the virtual store target value set based on the sales volume of virtual stores related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy; a second method to implement the physical store strategy, wherein if the sales volume is greater than the virtual store target value, the system performs processing to implement the first sales strategy related to the given product in the physical store; a third method to calculate the second verification value, wherein the system calculates the sales volume of physical stores related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy; and a fourth method to determine the second target, wherein the system determines whether the sales volume of physical stores related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the physical store target value. The value is set based on the assumption that the increase in physical store sales related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy and the increase in virtual store sales related to the given product before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy are to the same extent; and the virtual store strategy re-implementation means, if determined to be smaller than the physical store target value, to implement the second sales strategy related to the given product in the virtual store; the first sales strategy and the second sales strategy are strategies used to promote sales related to the given product, including: changes in the price of the given product; changes in the packaging of the given product; notifications of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information in the application; use of the application's digital seal; according to the The app can utilize a points system based on store activity; provide product information notifications within the app; display promotional flyers within the app; offer rewards and discounts based on customer segmentation according to usage; provide game-like features for earning points or coupons; provide location-based product search functionality within the app; provide in-store guidance functionality via the app; provide real-time notification functionality triggered by in-store sensors; provide conversational customer service functionality using artificial intelligence; provide advertising display functionality within the app when the user is near a digital signage unit; provide detailed information related to digital signage advertisements within the app; and provide payment functionality via the app.Notifications regarding prescription information from the application; notifications regarding digital receipt information from the application; provision of a past usage record confirmation function within the application; implementation of in-store demonstration sales; implementation of point-of-purchase advertising; provision of promotional information via digital billboards; provision of advertising gifts; utilization of point systems; implementation of sample distribution; implementation of food and beverage tastings; changes to store layout; changes to product display locations; installation of promotional equipment; installation of banners and flags; or changes to in-store background music. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The promotional support device disclosed in this invention predicts the sales situation of physical stores by pre-implementing a product sales strategy in a virtual store that simulates a physical store, and pursues the expansion of product sales in physical stores. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the promotional support device of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the promotional support device in this embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the promotional support device in this embodiment. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a processing example performed by the promotional support device in this embodiment. Implementation

[0011] Referring to the drawings, the configurations used to implement the present invention are described. (Operating principle of the promotional support device in this implementation)

[0012] Using Figures 1 and 2, the operating principle of the promotional support device (hereinafter referred to as "the device") 100 of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the device 100 and other devices, and Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the device 100.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, this device 100 is connected to a physical store terminal 350 via a communication network 360. The communication network 360 can be either wired or wireless. The physical store terminal 350 is a device that notifies this device 100 of the sales status of goods sold in the physical store; for example, it can be a POS (Point of Sales) system.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, this device 100 includes a physical store information storage means 110, a virtual store information storage means 120, a virtual store implementation means 130, a virtual store strategy implementation means 140, a first verification value calculation means 150, a first target determination means 160, a physical store strategy implementation means 170, a second verification value calculation means 180, a second target determination means 190, and a virtual store strategy re-implementation means 200.

[0015] Physical store information storage method 110 stores the physical store's sales revenue or sales volume related to predetermined products before the implementation of the first sales strategy. The first sales strategy, for example, is a strategy used to promote sales related to predetermined products, and includes concepts such as: price changes related to predetermined products; packaging changes related to predetermined products; notifications of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information to applications (short for application software); utilization of digital stamps using applications; utilization of a points system based on in-store behavior; notifications of product information to applications; display of promotional flyers in applications; provision of rewards and discounts based on customer tiers according to their usage status; provision of game functions for earning points or coupons; provision of location display functions for searching products in applications; provision of in-store guidance functions using applications; provision of real-time notification functions using applications triggered by sensors installed in the store; and the use of artificial intelligence (AI)... The application provides conversational customer service functions via artificial intelligence (AI); provides advertising display functions when the user is near a digital signage; provides detailed information related to digital signage advertisements within the application; provides payment functions via the application; provides prescription information notifications via the application; provides digital receipt information notifications via the application; provides past usage record confirmation functions within the application; implements in-store demonstration sales; implements point-of-purchase advertising (POP advertising); provides promotional information via digital signage; provides advertising gifts; utilizes a points system; implements the distribution of samples; implements tasting and sampling; changes to store layout; changes to product display locations; installation of promotional equipment; installation of banners and flags; or changes to in-store background music (BGM).

[0016] Virtual store information storage method 120 stores the virtual store's turnover or sales volume related to the given products before the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store that simulates a physical store.

[0017] Virtual store implementation method 130 provides an environment for selling predetermined goods in a virtual store. Virtual store implementation method 130 can be implemented using so-called digital twin technology.

[0018] Virtual store strategy implementation method 140 involves implementing a first sales strategy related to a given product in a virtual store. Virtual store strategy implementation method 140 involves implementing strategies to promote sales related to the given product for the given product sold in the virtual store, such as changing the price or packaging related to the given product.

[0019] Furthermore, the implementation method 140 of the virtual store strategy can also take the following forms, for example, implementing the following for predetermined products sold in the virtual store: notification of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information in the application; utilization of digital stamps in the application; utilization of a points system based on in-store behavior; notification of product information in the application; display of promotional flyers in the application; provision of rewards and discounts based on customer tiers according to their usage status; provision of game functions for obtaining points or coupons; provision of location display functions for searching products in the application; provision of in-store guidance functions in the application; provision of real-time notification functions in the application triggered by sensors installed in the store; and manual... The application provides intelligent, conversational customer service functions; provides advertising display functions when the user is near the digital signage; provides detailed information related to the digital signage advertisements within the application; provides payment functions via the application; provides prescription information notifications via the application; provides digital receipt information notifications via the application; provides past usage record confirmation functions within the application; implements in-store demonstration sales; implements point-of-purchase advertising; provides promotional information via digital signage; provides advertising gifts; utilizes a points system; implements the distribution of samples; implements tasting and sampling; changes to the store layout; changes to the product display location; installation of promotional equipment; installation of display banners and flags; or changes to the store's background music.

[0020] Method 150 for calculating the first verification value calculates the virtual store's sales revenue related to the given products after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store. Alternatively, method 150 can also be used to calculate the virtual store's sales quantity related to the given products after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store.

[0021] The first target determination method 160 determines whether the virtual store revenue related to the given products after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the virtual store target value set based on the virtual store revenue related to the given products before the implementation of the first sales strategy. The virtual store target value, for example, is set as 105% of the virtual store revenue related to the given products before the implementation of the first sales strategy.

[0022] The first target determination method 160 can also take the following form: determining whether the number of virtual store sales related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the virtual store target value set based on the number of virtual store sales related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy. The virtual store target value can be set, for example, as 105% of the number of virtual store sales related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy.

[0023] In the physical store strategy implementation method 170, if the first target determination method 160 determines that the target value is "larger than that of the virtual store", a first sales strategy related to the predetermined product is implemented in the physical store. This is because the first sales strategy has been found to be effective to a certain extent through its prior implementation in the virtual store, and therefore the first sales strategy is also implemented in the physical store to pursue an increase in the sales of the predetermined product.

[0024] The second verification value calculation method 180 calculates the physical store's sales revenue related to the given products after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the physical store. The second verification value calculation method 180 can also be a form of obtaining physical store sales revenue from the physical store terminal 350.

[0025] The second verification value calculation method 180 calculates the sales volume of the physical store related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy. The second verification value calculation method 180 can also be a form of obtaining the sales volume of the physical store from the physical store terminal 350.

[0026] The second objective determination method 190 determines whether the physical store revenue related to the given products after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the physical store target value set based on the assumption that "the increase in physical store revenue is proportional to the increase in virtual store revenue related to the given products before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy." The physical store target value could be, for example, denoted as physical store revenue × virtual store revenue ÷ virtual store revenue ± α. This refers to incorporating the sales expansion effect of the first sales strategy in the virtual store into the physical store target value, where ± α is an adjustment value.

[0027] The second objective determination method 190 determines whether the sales volume of physical stores related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the target value for physical stores set based on the assumption that "the increase in physical store sales volume is proportional to the increase in virtual store sales volume related to the given product before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy." The target value for physical stores could be, for example, denoted as physical store sales volume × virtual store sales volume ÷ virtual store sales volume ± α. This refers to incorporating the sales expansion effect of the first sales strategy in virtual stores into the target value for physical stores, where ± α is an adjustment value.

[0028] Virtual store strategy implementation method 200, when determined by second target determination method 190 to be "smaller than the target value of physical stores", implements a second sales strategy related to the established products in the virtual store. The second sales strategy differs from the first sales strategy; for example, it is a strategy used to promote sales related to the established products, including concepts such as: price changes related to the established products; packaging changes related to the established products; notifications of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information in the application; utilization of digital stamps in the application; utilization of a points system based on in-store behavior; notifications of product information in the application; display of promotional flyers in the application; and provision of rewards and discounts based on customer tiers according to their usage status; provision of game functions for earning points or coupons; provision of a product location display function in the application; provision of in-store guidance functions via the application; and application-triggered actions triggered by sensors installed in the store. Provide real-time notification functionality; provide AI-powered conversational customer service functionality; provide application advertising display functionality when the user is near a digital signage; provide detailed information related to digital signage advertisements within the application; provide payment functionality via the application; notify the user of prescription information via the application; notify the user of digital receipt information via the application; provide past usage record confirmation functionality within the application; implement in-store demonstration sales; implement point-of-purchase advertising; provide promotional information via digital signage; provide advertising gifts; utilize a points system; implement sample distribution; implement tasting and beverage sampling; change store layout; change product display location; set up promotional equipment; set up display banners and flags; or change in-store background music.

[0029] The processing using virtual store strategy re-implementation method 200 is used to find a second sales strategy that produces greater results when the first sales strategy fails to achieve the expected contribution to sales expansion in physical stores. Then, by replacing the second sales strategy with the first sales strategy and repeating the processing using virtual store implementation method 130, virtual store strategy implementation method 140, first verification value calculation method 150, first target determination method 160, physical store strategy implementation method 170, second verification value calculation method 180, second target determination method 190, and virtual store strategy re-implementation method 200, a first sales strategy (second sales strategy) that produces greater results can be found.

[0030] Based on the above operating principle, this device 100 predicts the sales situation of physical stores by implementing a virtual store sales strategy that simulates physical stores in advance, and pursues the expansion of physical store sales. (Hardware configuration of the promotional support device in this embodiment)

[0031] Using FIG3, an example of the hardware configuration of the present device 100 will be described. FIG3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the present device 100. As shown in FIG3, the present device 100 includes: CPU (Central Processing Unit) 510, ROM (Read-Only Memory) 520, RAM (Random Access Memory) 530, auxiliary storage device 540, communication interface (I / F) 550, input device 560, display device 570, and storage media interface 580.

[0032] CPU 510 is a device that executes programs stored in ROM 520. Following the program's instructions, it processes the data loaded into RAM 530 and controls the entire device 100. ROM 520 stores the programs and data executed by CPU 510. RAM 530, when CPU 510 executes the programs stored in ROM 520, loads the executed programs and data and temporarily stores the processing data during the operation.

[0033] The auxiliary storage device 540 is a device that stores the basic software, i.e., the OS (Operating System), the applications of this embodiment, and related data. The auxiliary storage device 540 may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, including a physical store information storage method 110 and a virtual store information storage method 120.

[0034] The communication interface 550 is used to connect to a wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Internet or other communication network 360, and to send and receive data with other devices (POS system, etc.) 350 that provide communication functions.

[0035] Input device 560 is a device such as a keyboard used for inputting data into this device 100. Display device (output device) 570 is a device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that functions as a user interface when the user utilizes the functions of this device 100 or makes various settings. Storage media interface 580 is an interface used for receiving and sending data to and from storage media 590 such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and USB memory.

[0036] The various means provided by this device 100 can be configured to enable the CPU 510 to execute programs corresponding to each means stored in the ROM 520 or auxiliary storage device 540. Furthermore, the various means provided by this device 100 can also be configured to implement the related processing of each means as hardware. Additionally, it can be configured to read the program of this invention from an external server device via the communication interface 550, or read the program of this invention from the storage medium 590 via the storage medium interface 580, thereby enabling the device 100 to execute the program. (Example of processing using the promotional support device in this implementation) Using Figure 4, a processing example performed by this apparatus 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the processing example performed by this apparatus 100.

[0037] In S10, virtual store implementation method 130 provides an environment for selling predetermined goods in a virtual store. Virtual store implementation method 130 can be implemented using so-called digital twin technology.

[0038] Furthermore, in S10, the virtual store strategy implementation means 140 implements a first sales strategy related to the established products in the virtual store. The virtual store strategy implementation means 140 implements strategies to promote sales related to the established products sold in the virtual store, such as changing the price or packaging of the established products. Furthermore, the implementation method 140 of the virtual store strategy can also take the following forms, for example, implementing the following for predetermined products sold in the virtual store: notification of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information in the application; utilization of digital stamps in the application; utilization of a points system based on in-store behavior; notification of product information in the application; display of promotional flyers in the application; provision of rewards and discounts based on customer tiers according to their usage status; provision of game functions for obtaining points or coupons; provision of location display functions for searching products in the application; provision of in-store guidance functions in the application; provision of real-time notification functions in the application triggered by sensors installed in the store; and manual... The application provides intelligent, conversational customer service functions; provides advertising display functions when the user is near the digital signage; provides detailed information related to the digital signage advertisements within the application; provides payment functions via the application; provides prescription information notifications via the application; provides digital receipt information notifications via the application; provides past usage record confirmation functions within the application; implements in-store demonstration sales; implements point-of-purchase advertising; provides promotional information via digital signage; provides advertising gifts; utilizes a points system; implements the distribution of samples; implements tasting and sampling; changes to the store layout; changes to the product display location; installation of promotional equipment; installation of display banners and flags; or changes to the store's background music.

[0039] In S20, the first verification value calculation method 150 calculates the virtual store revenue related to the given products after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store. In addition, the first verification value calculation method 150 can also be used to calculate the virtual store sales quantity related to the given products after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store.

[0040] In S20, the first target determination method 160 determines whether the virtual store sales related to the given products after the implementation of the first sales strategy are greater than the virtual store target value set based on the virtual store sales related to the given products before the implementation of the first sales strategy. The virtual store target value is, for example, set as 105% of the virtual store sales related to the given products before the implementation of the first sales strategy.

[0041] The first target determination method 160 can also take the following form: determining whether the number of virtual store sales related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the virtual store target value set based on the number of virtual store sales related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy. The virtual store target value can be set, for example, as 105% of the number of virtual store sales related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy.

[0042] In S30, if the first target determination means 160 determines that the virtual store's sales revenue is greater than the virtual store's target value (YES in S30), the process proceeds to S40. Alternatively, in S30, if the first target determination means 160 determines that the virtual store's sales quantity is greater than the virtual store's target value (YES in S30), the process proceeds to S40.

[0043] In S40, physical store strategy implementation method 170 involves implementing a first sales strategy related to a given product in a physical store. This is because the effectiveness of the first sales strategy has been observed through prior implementation in a virtual store, and therefore the first sales strategy is also implemented in the physical store to pursue increased sales of the given product.

[0044] In S50, the second verification value calculation method 180 calculates the physical store sales revenue related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the physical store. Alternatively, in S50, the second verification value calculation method 180 calculates the physical store sales quantity related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the physical store. The second verification value calculation method 180 may also take the form of obtaining the physical store sales revenue or physical store sales quantity from the physical store terminal 350.

[0045] In S50, the second objective determination method 190 determines whether the sales revenue of physical stores related to the given products after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the target value for physical stores set based on the assumption that "the increase in physical store sales revenue is equal to the increase in virtual store sales revenue related to the given products before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy." The target value for physical stores could be, for example, denoted as physical store sales revenue × virtual store sales revenue ÷ virtual store sales revenue ± α. This refers to incorporating the sales expansion effect of the first sales strategy in the virtual store into the target value for physical stores, where ± α is an adjustment value.

[0046] Alternatively, in S50, the second objective determination method 190 can also take the following form: determining whether the sales volume of physical stores related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the physical store target value set based on the assumption that "the increase in physical store sales volume is equal to the increase in virtual store sales volume related to the given product before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy." The physical store target value could be, for example, conceived as physical store sales volume × virtual store sales volume ÷ virtual store sales volume ± α, etc. This refers to incorporating the sales expansion effect generated by the first sales strategy in the virtual store into the physical store target value, where ± α is an adjustment value.

[0047] In S60, if the second target determination means 190 determines that the physical store's sales revenue is smaller than the physical store's target value (NO in S60), the process proceeds to S70. Alternatively, in S60, if the second target determination means 190 determines that the physical store's sales quantity is smaller than the physical store's target value (NO in S60), the process proceeds to S70.

[0048] In S70, Virtual Store Strategy Implementation Method 200 implements a second sales strategy related to established products in the virtual store. This second sales strategy differs from the first sales strategy; for example, it is a strategy used to promote sales related to established products and includes concepts such as: price changes related to established products; packaging changes related to established products; notifications of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information from the application; utilization of digital stamps from the application; utilization of a points system based on in-store behavior; notifications of product information from the application; display of promotional flyers in the application; and provision of rewards and discounts based on customer tiers according to their usage status; provision of game functions for earning points or coupons; provision of a product location display function in the application; provision of in-store guidance functions via the application; and application-triggered actions triggered by sensors installed in the store. Provide real-time notification functionality; provide AI-powered conversational customer service functionality; provide application advertising display functionality when the user is near a digital signage; provide detailed information related to digital signage advertisements within the application; provide payment functionality via the application; notify the user of prescription information via the application; notify the user of digital receipt information via the application; provide past usage record confirmation functionality within the application; implement in-store demonstration sales; implement point-of-purchase advertising; provide promotional information via digital signage; provide advertising gifts; utilize a points system; implement sample distribution; implement tasting and beverage sampling; change store layout; change product display location; set up promotional equipment; set up display banners and flags; or change in-store background music.

[0049] The processing using virtual store strategy re-implementation method 200 is used to find a second sales strategy that produces greater results when the first sales strategy fails to achieve the expected contribution to sales expansion in physical stores. Then, by replacing the second sales strategy with the first sales strategy and repeating the processing using virtual store implementation method 130, virtual store strategy implementation method 140, first verification value calculation method 150, first target determination method 160, physical store strategy implementation method 170, second verification value calculation method 180, second target determination method 190, and virtual store strategy re-implementation method 200, a first sales strategy (second sales strategy) that produces greater results can be found.

[0050] By implementing the process described above, this device 100 predicts the sales situation of physical stores by pre-implementing a sales strategy for virtual stores that simulate physical stores, and pursues the expansion of sales of physical stores.

[0051] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments. Various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as described in the claims.

[0052] 100: Promotional Support Device

[0053] 110: Information Storage Methods for Physical Stores

[0054] 120: Virtual Store Information Storage Methods

[0055] 130: Methods for Implementing Virtual Stores

[0056] 140: Implementation Methods of Virtual Store Strategy

[0057] 150: Method for calculating the first verification value

[0058] 160: First Target Determination Method

[0059] 170: Implementation Methods of Physical Store Strategies

[0060] 180: Method for calculating the second verification value

[0061] 190: Second Target Determination Method

[0062] 200: Reimplementation Methods of Virtual Store Strategy

[0063] 350: Physical store terminal (POS system)

[0064] 360: Communication Network

[0065] 510: CPU

[0066] 520:ROM

[0067] 530: RAM

[0068] 540: Auxiliary storage device

[0069] 550: Communication Interface

[0070] 560: Input device

[0071] 570: Output device

[0072] 580: Storage Media Interface

[0073] 590: Storage Media

Claims

1. A promotional support device, characterized by comprising: a physical store information storage means for storing physical store sales related to a predetermined product before the implementation of a first sales strategy in the physical store; a virtual store information storage means for storing virtual store sales related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy in a virtual store simulating the physical store; a virtual store implementation means for providing an environment for selling the predetermined product in the virtual store; a virtual store strategy implementation means for implementing the first sales strategy related to the predetermined product in the virtual store; a first verification value calculation means for calculating the virtual store sales related to the predetermined product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store; a first target determination means for determining whether the virtual store sales related to the predetermined product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than a virtual store target value set based on the virtual store sales related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy; and a physical store strategy implementation means for performing processing for implementing the first sales strategy related to the predetermined product in the physical store when it is determined to be greater than the virtual store target value. The second verification value calculation method calculates the physical store's sales revenue related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the physical store; the second target determination method determines whether the physical store's sales revenue related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the physical store's target value, which is set based on the assumption that the physical store's sales revenue related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy and the virtual store's sales revenue related to the given product before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy increase to the same extent; and the virtual store strategy re-implementation method implements a second sales strategy related to the given product, different from the first sales strategy, in the virtual store if it is determined to be smaller than the physical store's target value. The first and second sales strategies are strategies used to promote sales related to the established product, including: price changes related to the established product; packaging changes related to the established product; notifications of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information in the application; utilization of digital stamps in the application; utilization of a points system based on in-store behavior; notifications of product information in the application; display of promotional flyers in the application; and provision of rewards and discounts based on customer tiers according to their usage; provision of game functions for earning points or coupons; provision of location display functions for searching products in the application; provision of in-store guidance functions in the application; provision of real-time notification functions in the application triggered by sensors installed in the store; provision of conversational customer service functions using artificial intelligence; provision of advertising display functions in the application when the applicant is near the digital signage; and provision of detailed information related to the advertisements displayed on the digital signage in the application.Providing payment functionality via application; notifying users of prescription information via application; notifying users of digital receipt information via application; providing past usage record confirmation functionality within application; implementing in-store demonstration sales; implementing point-of-purchase advertising; providing promotional information via digital billboards; providing advertising gifts; utilizing point systems; distributing samples; implementing food and beverage tastings; changing store layout; changing product display locations; setting up promotional equipment; setting up banners and flags; or changing in-store background music.

2. A promotional support device, characterized by comprising: a physical store information storage means for storing the sales volume of a physical store related to a predetermined product before the implementation of a first sales strategy in the physical store; a virtual store information storage means for storing the sales volume of a virtual store related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy in a virtual store simulating the physical store; a virtual store implementation means for providing an environment for selling the predetermined product in the virtual store; a virtual store strategy implementation means for implementing the first sales strategy related to the predetermined product in the virtual store; a first verification value calculation means for calculating the sales volume of a virtual store related to the predetermined product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store; a first target determination means for determining whether the sales volume of a virtual store related to the predetermined product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than a virtual store target value set based on the sales volume of a virtual store related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy; and a physical store strategy implementation means for performing processing for implementing the first sales strategy related to the predetermined product in the physical store when the result is determined to be greater than the virtual store target value. The second verification value calculation method calculates the sales volume of the physical store related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the physical store; the second target determination method determines whether the sales volume of the physical store related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than the target value of the physical store, which is set based on the assumption that the sales volume of the physical store related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy and the increase in the sales volume of the virtual store related to the given product before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy are increased to the same extent; and the virtual store strategy re-implementation method implements a second sales strategy related to the given product that is different from the first sales strategy in the virtual store if it is determined to be smaller than the target value of the physical store. The first and second sales strategies are strategies used to promote sales related to the established product, including: price changes related to the established product; packaging changes related to the established product; notifications of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information in the application; utilization of digital stamps in the application; utilization of a points system based on in-store behavior; notifications of product information in the application; display of promotional flyers in the application; and provision of rewards and discounts based on customer tiers according to their usage; provision of game functions for earning points or coupons; provision of location display functions for searching products in the application; provision of in-store guidance functions in the application; provision of real-time notification functions in the application triggered by sensors installed in the store; provision of conversational customer service functions using artificial intelligence; provision of advertising display functions in the application when the applicant is near the digital signage; and provision of detailed information related to the advertisements displayed on the digital signage in the application.Providing payment functionality via application; notifying users of prescription information via application; notifying users of digital receipt information via application; providing past usage record confirmation functionality within application; implementing in-store demonstration sales; implementing point-of-purchase advertising; providing promotional information via digital billboards; providing advertising gifts; utilizing point systems; distributing samples; implementing food and beverage tastings; changing store layout; changing product display locations; setting up promotional equipment; setting up banners and flags; or changing in-store background music.

3. A promotional support method, implemented on a computer equipped with physical store information storage means and virtual store information storage means; the physical store information storage means stores the physical store turnover related to a predetermined product before the implementation of a first sales strategy in the physical store; the virtual store information storage means stores the virtual store turnover related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy in a virtual store simulating the physical store; the promotional support method is characterized by comprising the following steps: providing an environment for selling the predetermined product in the virtual store by enabling a virtual store implementation means; implementing the first sales strategy related to the predetermined product in the virtual store by enabling a virtual store strategy implementation means; calculating the virtual store turnover related to the predetermined product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store by enabling a first verification value calculation means; and determining whether the virtual store turnover related to the predetermined product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than a virtual store target value set based on the virtual store turnover related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy. The method includes: implementing a physical store strategy if the physical store strategy is determined to be larger than the target value of the virtual store, and then implementing a first sales strategy related to the given product in the physical store; calculating the physical store sales related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the physical store using a second verification value calculation method; determining whether the physical store sales related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is larger than the physical store target value, which is set based on the assumption that the physical store sales related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy and the virtual store sales related to the given product before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy increase to the same extent; and implementing a virtual store strategy re-implementation method if the virtual store strategy is determined to be smaller than the target value of the physical store, and then implementing a second sales strategy related to the given product in the virtual store that is different from the first sales strategy. The first and second sales strategies are strategies used to promote sales related to the established product, including: changes in the price of the established product; changes in the packaging of the established product; notifications of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information in the application; utilization of digital stamps in the application; utilization of a points system based on in-store behavior; notifications of product information in the application; display of promotional flyers in the application; and provision of rewards and discounts based on customer segmentation according to usage status; provision of game functions for earning points or coupons; provision of location display functions for searching products in the application; provision of in-store guidance functions via the application; provision of real-time notification functions via the application triggered by sensors installed in the store; and provision of conversational customer service functions using artificial intelligence.Providing application-level advertising display functionality when near digital signage; providing detailed information related to digital signage advertising within the application; providing payment functionality via the application; notifying users of prescription information via the application; notifying users of digital receipt information via the application; providing a function to confirm past usage records within the application; implementing in-store demonstration sales; implementing point-of-purchase advertising; providing promotional information via digital signage; providing advertising gifts; utilizing a points system; implementing sample distribution; implementing food and beverage tasting; changing store layout; changing product display locations; setting up promotional equipment; setting up banners and flags; or changing in-store background music.

4. A promotional support method, implemented on a computer equipped with physical store information storage means and virtual store information storage means; the physical store information storage means stores the sales volume of the physical store related to a predetermined product before the implementation of a first sales strategy in the physical store; the virtual store information storage means stores the sales volume of the virtual store related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy in a virtual store simulating the physical store; the promotional support method is characterized by comprising the following steps: providing an environment for selling the predetermined product in the virtual store by enabling a virtual store implementation means; implementing the first sales strategy related to the predetermined product in the virtual store by enabling a virtual store strategy implementation means; calculating the sales volume of the virtual store related to the predetermined product after the implementation of the first sales strategy in the virtual store by enabling a first verification value calculation means; and determining whether the sales volume of the virtual store related to the predetermined product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is greater than a virtual store target value set based on the sales volume of the virtual store related to the predetermined product before the implementation of the first sales strategy. The method includes: implementing a physical store strategy, where, if the physical store strategy is determined to be larger than the target value for the virtual store, a first sales strategy related to the given product is implemented in the physical store; calculating a second verification value, where a second verification value calculation method calculates the sales volume of the physical store related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy; determining, using a second target determination method, whether the sales volume of the physical store related to the given product after the implementation of the first sales strategy is larger than the physical store target value, which is set based on the assumption that the increase in the sales volume of the physical store related to the given product before the implementation of the first sales strategy and the increase in the sales volume of the virtual store related to the given product before and after the implementation of the first sales strategy are both proportional; and implementing a virtual store strategy re-implementation method, where, if the virtual store strategy is determined to be smaller than the target value for the physical store, a second sales strategy related to the given product, different from the first sales strategy, is implemented in the virtual store. The first and second sales strategies are strategies used to promote sales related to the established product, including: changes in the price of the established product; changes in the packaging of the established product; notifications of coupon information, special offer information, and promotional activity information in the application; utilization of digital stamps in the application; utilization of a points system based on in-store behavior; notifications of product information in the application; display of promotional flyers in the application; and provision of rewards and discounts based on customer segmentation according to usage status; provision of game functions for earning points or coupons; provision of location display functions for searching products in the application; provision of in-store guidance functions via the application; provision of real-time notification functions via the application triggered by sensors installed in the store; and provision of conversational customer service functions using artificial intelligence.Providing application-level advertising display functionality when near digital signage; providing detailed information related to digital signage advertising within the application; providing payment functionality via the application; notifying users of prescription information via the application; notifying users of digital receipt information via the application; providing a function to confirm past usage records within the application; implementing in-store demonstration sales; implementing point-of-purchase advertising; providing promotional information via digital signage; providing advertising gifts; utilizing a points system; implementing sample distribution; implementing food and beverage tasting; changing store layout; changing product display locations; setting up promotional equipment; setting up banners and flags; or changing in-store background music.

5. A promotion support program for enabling a computer to execute the promotion support method of request item 3 or 4.

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