PixelFLEX LED video technology has been incorporated into a new retail initiative by Gaiam and Reflect to transform a Macy’s outlet into the ‘store of the future’.
Gaiam is a lifestyle brand with a worldwide network of around 38,000 retail environments with 18,000 of those located within existing retail locations. Macy’s approached the company with the opportunity to create a completely new retail environment aiming to bring a higher level of customer engagement.
Gaiam worked with Reflect, Macy’s in-store digital media partner, to come up with a solution that would attract the attention of Macy’s shoppers. This resulted in FLEXLite NXG 3.9mm LED video technology from Nashville-based PixelFLEX being incorporated into the new retail environment.
“As a fitness and wellness brand partner of Macy’s, we were very excited about the opportunity to take part in their technology renovation and feature a space in their ‘Store of the Future,’” said Hannah Gilmore, Gaiam’s visual merchandising manager. “The primary objective of the redesign was to demonstrate what the future of the Macy’s retail experience is going to be, so we truly had to make an impact with our design. We have used LED video in the past to engage our consumers, but never at this scale. As this was the ‘Store of the Future,’ we needed state-of-the-art digital technology and the most effective product; the FLEXLite NXG was the perfect LED video solution.”
“Gaiam was a brand that we had not yet engaged with so we were excited to be able to work with them to provide the ideal LED video solution,” explained Matt Schmitt, president and co-founder of Reflect. “To get started we brought in our solutions engineer, Chas Thornhill, to work on the initial design. After meeting with the Gaiam team, we knew the LED video product had to install easily and be able to operate efficiently in a retail store environment with a smaller pixel pitch for a high definition display. We then spoke with PixelFLEX to find out what LED video solutions might be available, and we found that solution in the 3.9mm FLEXLite NXG with both front and rear serviceable panels.”
With one of the highest resolution displays on the market, the FLEXLite NXG is now available in two sizes with 2.6mm-6.25mm pitch options for an even deeper layer of creativity, plus a 6.25mm full outdoor, IP65 version as well. For optimum performance, FLEXLite NXG tiles are calibrated directly out of the box to ensure perfect colour and brightness; and with serviceability in mind, easy access to the back of panels allows for quick and simple on-site repairs.
“We were essentially given a blank canvas to work with and we wanted the digital experience to be a main focal point, drawing customers into our space,” Gilmore continued. “The FLEXLite NXG LED videowall ended up being about 6ft wide by 10ft tall. Once the grid structure was installed the LED tiles quickly locked together creating a seamless digital wall.”
“On the project, there was a bit of a tight timeline and PixelFLEX really went above and beyond to meet our deadlines which was extremely helpful,” added Schmitt. “At Reflect, we continually work with strategic hardware partners to identify solutions that are beneficial for our clients and in creating these partnerships, we look for a company that is partner-centric. It always works better when we can bring in a consultative partner for a fully integrated project offering and PixelFLEX always seems to go above and beyond. Because of this, whenever there is an opportunity for an LED videowall experience, we now lead with PixelFLEX.”
Once the LED videowall was in place, the motion graphic content from Gaiam was added. “The motion graphic included User Generated Content from Gaiam gurus across the nation along with a custom video that showcases Macy’s-exclusive apparel and hardgoods,” explained Gilmore.
“We wanted the presentation to show how anyone can easily incorporate yoga and fitness into their individual lifestyle. The final product was a five minute video that relates to a broad audience. The FLEXLite NXG LED video technology truly provided the seamless integration we sought and it was crucial in making our retail experience cohesive.
“When we finished the installation and saw the final video for the first time, we were all amazed by the brightness and vibrancy of the image; you could literally see our digital wall from multiple vantage points throughout the store. In this day and age of interactive digital experiences, LED displays are the future of retail design, and I can see PixelFLEX LED video technology being an integral part of that future.”
