Simon launches ‘concierge bot’

Simon is debuting a new type of concierge — one that never calls in sick.



The mall owner launched a chatbot designed to deliver customers at its 208 North American centers useful information as they shop. Described as the industry’s first enterprise-wide bot, the artificial intelligence-based technology is available through Facebook Messenger, and provides store and restaurant information, hours of operation, special events, daily promotions and a list of available amenities.



“Our concierge bot is another example of our ongoing efforts to enhance the shopping experience at our centers,” said Mikael Thygesen, chief marketing officer for Simon, and head of its innovation efforts. “Millions of Facebook Messenger users now have access to a broad set of information about their favorite center.”



Simon’s concierge bot also provides personalized recommendations specific to the shopper’s mall of choice. Customers can also access tailored lifestyle content based on the solution’s ‘Simon SAID’ service — Simon’s fashion, beauty and dining publication.



“Simon is connecting the real world with the digital world, through the latest mobile messaging technologies,” says Christian Brucculeri, CEO of Snaps, which helped developed Simon’s concierge bot. "Simon is at the forefront of the messaging evolution and an innovator in the mall technology space. We look forward to adding more capabilities and intelligence to this bot over the coming months.”