With retailers constantly battling the threat of online, creating standout has never been more important. Yet, by embedding technology in the retail space, stores, and restaurants have the perfect avenue through which to create a real point of difference that captures consumers’ imaginations and creates engaging experiences.
This was the driving philosophy behind Richtree Natural Market Restaurants’ flagship market restaurant, which opened recently in the Toronto Eaton Centre. Not only does the restaurant offer a sumptuous range of natural and organic dishes, but it also showcases a unique design and technology concept that delivers an enhanced customer experience and brings to life the vision of the brand – ‘where good comes together.’
To develop the concept, Richtree worked closely with innovation experts from Infusion to build a customer experience that utilizes exciting technology like a hologram and digital ordering kiosks to create something truly original.
“Infusion and Richtree Natural Market Restaurants have created a unique customer experience enhanced by cutting-edge technologies and revolutionary design. Richtree has demonstrated just how much businesses can benefit from incorporating an effective technology strategy into their vision,” says Alim Somani, president, Infusion.
“The Richtree experience was created to incorporate the latest technology without sacrificing quality or customer service, establishing a contemporary environment that is inviting for both kids and adults,” says CIO, Joshua Sigel. Richtree Natural Market Restaurants prides itself in being a place where families can come together. The high-tech kids area features an interactive video wall and projections to engage Richtree’s youngest customers. When entering Richtree, Mrs. Green, a state-of-the-art hologram hostess, will greet guests. “With the hologram, we want to educate our guests on the Richtree experience and make a statement to all of our visitors that they are now entering an innovative, engaging, and technologically advanced space.”
The Richtree dining experience incorporates key technologies that enhance the customer experience – it’s not just ‘technology for technology’s sake.’ The children's area includes a 9-foot interactive wall featuring a fast-paced multi-player game and gesture-based tabletop games. A bespoke self-order system of kiosks allows customers to ‘skip the line' to order and pay conveniently as well as many other digital interactive experiences.
“With Richtree, we were able to set a precedent in how we use digital technology inside this one-of-a-kind dining and grocery experience,” says John Rabasa, creative director at Infusion. “Whether it’s ordering through the kiosk, playing the original games we created for the children’s area, or walking by the 20-foot video mural, we saw an opportunity to use technology to tell the story of Richtree’s new concept and brand in a way that is seamless and a natural fit.”
