Kipling to unveil digitally savvy store concept

Personalization, retail bots and social media will play key roles in a new store concept from Kipling North America.



The maker of lightweight luggage and other accessories will unveil its first interactive store format on May 20, at Disney Springs, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida.



The new store is designed to offer customers a unique and personalized shopping experience, with array of inventive “activations” offered throughout the space. It will be in the Town Center part of Disney Springs.



"We are thrilled to be one of its first retail tenants to open in Town Center and to unveil our new retail concept there,” said Nina Flood, president of Kipling North America, a division of VF Sportswear. “Shopping in-store remains a vital driver of not only sales, but of the overall brand experience. We have revisited ways in which we can better connect with guests to ensure we are doing our best to meet their needs and make their Kipling experience more memorable."



Personalization will play a key role in the new Kipling store, with an area dedicated to inspiring "make it your own" style options, such as monogramming. Customers will also be able to accent their purchases — for no added charge — with the iconic Kipling monkey keychain, playful patches, buttons, and more.



A photo booth has been built into the store's design and will engage Kipling fans to "snap and share" their customized graphics interchange format photos (GIFs) onto their social channels for a chance to win prizes throughout the year and also be featured on Kipling North America's social media pages.



Adding to the digital experience in-store and beyond is Kipling's launch of retail bots. Kipling will use messenger technology to chat live with its digital-savvy visitors on their smart phones and with QR codes that have been placed throughout the retail space. Scanning a barcode will offer the visitor style suggestions, Kipling fun facts and instant offers.



Kipling has 12 full-price retail locations in the United States and is sold in Macy's department stores and specialty stores nationwide.