Go Instore, a video-first retail technology platform that has been adopted in several countries around the world, today launched operations in the U.S. The company’s expansion was driven by demand for its technology from several retailers in the region to bring a more immersive e-commerce experience to U.S. shoppers.
Go Instore has been adopted by some of the world’s biggest brands in the UK, Europe and Asia, such as Samsung, HP, DeBeers and Signet Jewelers. Using its HD streaming video platform, Go Instore allows customers to video chat with a sales associate to consult and discuss products before making a purchasing decision. Many of Go Instore’s partners have reported a 500 percent increase in sessions since the pandemic, and the platform received its one millionth video call at the end of September.
“We are absolutely thrilled to introduce Go Instore to retailers and customers in the U.S.,” said Andre Hordagoda, CEO and Founder of Go Instore. “Demand for virtual services has been on the rise, especially as we continue navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. With Go Instore available in the U.S., customers can be ‘teleported’ into their favorite stores and connect directly with associates from the comfort of their own homes, maintaining safety while enhancing virtual transactions.”
Since launching in 2014, Go Instore has transformed the customer experience. In-store conversions, particularly for high ticket items like furniture, jewelry, consumer electronics and sporting equipment, have always remained higher than e-commerce, at an average of 20 to 30 percent, compared with around one percent online. Retailers using Go Instore, however, have reported that web customers accessing their stores using the service are converting at the equivalent of those in-store rates.
“We are very grateful for our influx of success, given the current situation, as well as our ability to provide retailers with more support for their businesses,” added Hordagoda. “But, our ultimate goal, and where we believe the future of retail is headed, is creating a rich omnichannel environment to fit every consumer’s needs and habits in a post-pandemic world.”
Go Instore is able to rapidly deploy its technology for retailers – typically within 10 business days – to support both staff working remote and those back in storefronts, including activating dark stores.
