Scan Try Buy Retail System Floor Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retail stores face challenges with inventory management and customer flow due to the large variety of items stocked, leading to reduced open floor space, fewer fitting rooms, and difficulties in managing displayed and warehoused inventory.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing a 'scan, try, and buy' experience using mobile devices to scan product tags, allowing customers to select and purchase products directly, with options for trying items in fitting rooms and returning unwanted products, while enabling efficient inventory management through product delivery and return chutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a great variety of items are stocked and displayed inside the store, then product selection and customer choice are improved, but open floor space is reduced and customer flow slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital images and virtual representations of products displayed on screens throughout the store to represent physical inventory. Customers can view detailed product catalogs, multiple variants, and specifications on digital displays without needing physical samples of every item. This virtual copying of product information maintains comprehensive product selection while preserving physical floor space for customer movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional physical product displays to multi-dimensional digital information spaces. High-resolution screens and mobile devices provide layered product information, 360-degree product views, and detailed specifications that replace the need for extensive physical product arrangements, thereby freeing up floor space while enhancing product accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a great variety of items are stocked and displayed inside the store, then product selection is improved, but the number of fitting rooms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses digital images and virtual try-on technologies to allow customers to visualize products before trying them physically. High-resolution screens in fitting rooms and throughout the store display detailed product information, alternate colors, sizes, and styling options, reducing the need for customers to physically try on every variant and optimizing fitting room utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary product selection and information gathering through digital displays and mobile applications before customers enter fitting rooms. Customers can pre-select items, view detailed specifications, and receive personalized recommendations digitally, so that when they reach fitting rooms, they are ready to try specific items, reducing fitting room occupancy time and increasing availability.
3Reliability
If extensive inventory is displayed and warehoused, then product availability is improved, but inventory management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time inventory tracking systems with digital signage that automatically updates product availability, sales data, and stock levels. The system provides continuous feedback loops between point-of-sale terminals, warehouse management systems, and customer-facing displays, enabling automatic reordering alerts and dynamic inventory optimization without manual intervention, thereby maintaining product availability while simplifying management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automated inventory management capabilities where the digital network self-monitors stock levels, predicts demand patterns, and triggers replenishment orders automatically. RFID tags, barcode scanners, and integrated supply chain systems enable the inventory infrastructure to manage itself without requiring extensive manual oversight, reducing management complexity while ensuring product availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for scan, try and/or buy may include receiving, from a mobile device, information that is representative of a clothing outfit. The clothing outfit may include a plurality of merchandise items available for purchase through a store. The information may be obtained by the mobile device by scanning a single code associated with the clothing outfit. The obtained information may be used to cause at least one user interface element associated with the clothing outfit to be displayed on the mobile device. In response to receiving a selection from the mobile device of the at least one user interface element, the plurality of merchandise items associated with the clothing outfit may be delivered to a merchandise check-out location within the store. The merchandise check-out location may be operable to receive payment from the user for the clothing outfit.