Verizon Business has joined forces with Digital Catapult, the UK’s
leading advanced digital technology innovation centre, and leading
industry partners to launch the Verizon 5G immersive Retail
Accelerator program, designed to develop the next generation of
immersive retail experiences.
The first of its kind, the initiative will explore how
5G-enabled solutions can solve real-world challenges for some of
the world’s leading brands - Burberry, Diageo and L’Oréal UK &
Ireland, all of which see 5G adoption as a strategic
opportunity.
The program is now open to start-ups and scale-ups currently
working within the retail, immersive or customer experience space
which are interested in or are already developing new cutting-edge
5G technology solutions and applications. This may include concepts
around the in-store experience, out of store experience, digital
product visualization and virtual events such as fashion shows and
product showcases.
Successful applicants will have access to Verizon’s 5G
capabilities as well as the Yahoo Ryot XR production studio and
Verizon 5G Lab, all located in London, in order to generate their
proof of concepts. These concepts will be showcased at the end of
the program.
“The pandemic has demonstrated the transformational impact
technology can have on our ability to adapt to periods of
uncertainty,” said Tami Erwin, CEO of Verizon Business. “The
quicker people are able to integrate technology across their
organization, the easier their business will adapt to new trends.
The Verizon 5G Immersive Retail Accelerator Program embraces the
power of 5G, and promises to transform the customer experience
through a range of innovative technologies, including immersive
experience, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.”
Geraldina Iraheta, Chief Commercial Officer at Digital Catapult,
commented: “Now, more than ever, retail organizations are looking
at how new technologies can help them captivate customers and find
new ways of enhancing the customer experience, as well as
supporting their brands for the future. We are excited to work with
Verizon to see what innovative ideas this Retail Accelerator
delivers, as well as bringing Digital Catapult's deep technical
knowledge in 5G and our extensive network in the UK's vibrant
start-up community into this novel project.”
Partner quotes:
Mark McClennon, Global Chief Information Officer at Burberry,
said, “Digital innovation is a cornerstone of our strategy,
enabling us to create immersive online experiences that delight and
inspire our customers all over the world. We are excited to partner
with Verizon and Digital Catapult - two leading companies who
embody our values of creativity and forward-thinking - to unearth
the next wave of digital innovation through the Retail Accelerator
program.”
Benni Lickfett, Global Head of Digital Innovation at Diageo,
said: “We are constantly exploring how emerging technologies can
enable more meaningful experiences for our consumers and the retail
accelerator program is a great way to collaborate with leading
technology pioneers to do just that.”
Mark Apter, L’Oréal UK & Ireland, said: “Creating innovative
ways of engaging with our customers is always a priority for us,
and 5G can help us keep our audiences connected and engaged. We
have already seen the possibilities of technology such as virtual
make-up try-on services, so I’m looking forward to seeing what new
ideas are out there which can test the boundaries of connected
experiences.”
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in
New York City, generated $126 billion in 2017 revenues. The company
operates America’s most reliable wireless network and the nation’s
premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated solutions to
businesses worldwide. Its Oath subsidiary reaches people around the
world with a dynamic house of media and technology brands.
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Notes to editors -- Burberry, Diageo and L’Oréal
challenge participants to solve real-life business
problems
Interested applicants may apply via the individual links for
each specific challenge listed below. The program will run for
approx. 10 months.
Challenge 1: BurberryEstablished in 1856, Burberry is an iconic
luxury British brand. As a leader in innovation, Burberry is
interested in exploring technologies that will galvanize customers
and elevate their experience whether shopping at their flagship
store in Regent Street or at home.
The Challenge: How can Burberry use 5G technology to develop
solutions that; produce compelling personalized brand stories,
create customized shopping experiences with a hybrid
digital/physical element and explore the potential of gamified
shareable experiences that engage and drive brand loyalty?
Areas of Interest: How can 5G technology enhance the in-store to
digital shopping experience in a personalized and social way? How
might gamified experiences be used to engage consumers more deeply
with the Burberry brand over 5G? Click here to learn more about
luxury’s first social retail store in Shenzhen.
Burberry is looking for exciting proposals that engage luxury
fashion consumers in bold new ways with its brand and product
range.
For the Burberry challenge please apply here.
Challenge 2: DiageoDiageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol
with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer –
a business built on the principles and foundations laid by the
giants of the industry. Its ambition is to be one of the best
performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies
in the world.
Brand experiences have the power to evoke emotional and
behavioural responses to brands and products. Technology is
enabling people to experience Diageo’s brand in new ways and how
the brands tell their stories.
The challenge: As lockdown restrictions begin to ease consumers
are looking for more meaningful and rewarding experiences for their
next social gatherings. In the 3rd space, such as bars and pubs,
how can 5G equip Diageo brands to stand out and win the first drink
of the night with an experience that is unique, rewarding and
meaningful? How can Diageo use 5G technology to reach customers and
consumers, aiding with the discovery of their products through
frictionless experiences and improved engagement?
Key considerations:
- Solution will need to be flexible to fit into various
environments and transferable to then scale.
- Require little to minimal integration with existing table
ordering/ menu solution
- Consider message of drinking responsibly and in moderation
Diageo is looking for exciting proposals that engage customers
and consumers in novel and creative ways with its world leading
brands.
For the Diageo challenge please apply here.
Challenge 3: L’OréalAt L’Oréal, the goal is to offer each and
every person around the world the best of beauty in terms of
quality, efficacy and safety in a sustainable way. Working with
Verizon and Digital Catapult, L’Oréal UK and Ireland would like to
explore how 5G can accelerate the use of innovative
technologies.
The Challenge: L’Oréal would like to explore how to demonstrate
the sustainability of their products and how the user journey from
purchase to when it is recycled after use can impact our world. How
can L’Oréal positively impact the customer experience journey
through technology, such as 5G, creating ‘wow’ moments and engaging
consumers to test, try and experience their brands and product
range from anywhere?
For the L’Oréal challenge please apply here.
Media contact:Clare Ward+44 (0) 773 888
9326clare.ward@uk.verizon.com
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