While selling retail store fixtures promises profits, it can be tricky, especially with made-to-order modular fixtures. Retailers are increasingly looking for efficient solutions to address this limitation. That’s where 3D modular configurators step in to revolutionize your sales results with real-time customization, clear visuals, and streamlined operations.
This blog includes the essentials to help you get started with 3D configurators and unlock their full potential for your retail fixture business. Now, keep scrolling to discover!
What is a 3D Modular Configurator?
A 3D modular configurator is an advanced 3D product configurator that allows users to interact with modular fixtures with interchangeable variants in 3D. You can freely pick various fixture options and instantly see how changes affect the overall layout and price.
A 3D modular configurator for fixtures and displays should ensure the following features:
- Real-time 3D visualization
Users can see designs for each combination or modification come to life instantly from every angle. This makes it easier to picture the final fixture and minimize user confusion.
- Rule-based configuration
This feature is essential to prevent incompatible choices and ensure all custom designs are manufacturable. With modular designs, where multiple variants can be combined in various ways, the risk of invalid configurations increases. Therefore, built-in logic guides users through only feasible combinations, ensuring the structural and functional integrity.
- Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)
AR/VR capabilities allow users to place their custom store fixtures in their actual space. This is key to clarifying the level of fit of each configuration for better decisions through a true-to-life feeling, like how customers visit the physical store and check their products.
- Integration with existing systems
Your 3D configurators should work well with e-commerce platforms, CRM, and ERP systems to create an all-in-one backend system. Thanks to reduced manual input, this integration helps retailers control all of their activities across teams smoothly and quickly.
- Visual CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote)
This feature enables the automation of pricing and quoting as you modify fixture designs. Instant updates reduce potential errors and cut out manual calculations for saved efforts.
3D room planning and mobile responsiveness are also powerful functionalities that fixture retailers should look for to enable a smooth, engaging shopping experience. Depending on the complexity of your fixture, ask your configuration provider for the best solution.
Types of Store Fixtures for Customization
Retail store fixtures come in lots of formats and names. v
- Gondola shelving
- Display units
- Counters and cash wraps
- Apparel racks and merchandisers
- Modular walls and partitions
- Showcases and pedestals
Modular fixtures have been a top-of-mind solution for retail displays, especially those preferring flexibility and cost efficiency. These fixtures allow for changing new layouts for refreshes or seasonal promotions without removing modules or making new purchases.
However, modular products can challenge the sales process due to the uncertainty and lack of matching between the visual presentation and the customized design. As a result, salespeople need to communicate back and forth with customers for multiple revisions.
How 3D Modular Configurators Boost Retail Store Fixture Sales
Improved Customer Experience and Satisfaction
Shoppers traditionally struggle to visualize modular products, including fixtures, through 2D images or separate displays. This leads to hesitation, prolonged decision-making, and an annoying shopping journey. And customers feel less connected to their expectations.
A 3D modular configurator can address this aspect by allowing the design and visualization of complex, highly modular designs in 3D. Everyone can select options, rotate models, zoom in on details, and make real-time changes to see the instant display.
Today, 50% of shoppers engage more with 3D/AR content. Therefore, using 3D configurators built with AR and 3D room planning can help take the shopping journey a step further by visualizing finalized fixtures in the real-world environment from all angles.
Faster Decision Making and Increased Sales
Sellers often spend much time and effort manually calculating quotes and generating multiple design iterations. With complex, highly modular designs, they even need to join lengthy conversations for approvals. This causes delays, increases the likelihood of errors, and leads to lost sales as buyers’ interest wanes during extended waiting periods.
The adoption of 3D configurators for modular fixture designs is truly an ideal solution. Customers can confidently make decisions when they see precisely what they’re getting. This can help faster quoting, fewer revisions, and quicker deal closure. Visual CPQ with BOM (Bill of Materials) generations can eliminate price surprises for higher conversions.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Saved Resources
Designing and quoting store fixtures is highly prone to errors due to miscommunications between sales, design, and manufacturing regarding constantly changing requirements. Without a system that validates configurations, sellers might be under the pressure of incorrect orders, costly reworks, dissatisfied customers, and higher product return rates.
3D modular configurators are created to achieve better retail results and performance. With rule-based configuration and ready-made logics, these configurators ensure all selected components are compatible, effectively reducing fixture errors at the source.
3D visualizations also allow customers to understand their configurations at every step. Sales teams also benefit from reduced back-and-forth with engineering or production teams. Instead, they rely on the configurator for accurate quotes and valid product specs. As a result, retailers can save time, reduce labor costs, and boost their overall operation.
What about a real case of 3D configurators in retail store fixtures?
A notable example comes from Grand+Benedicts, the renowned US brand that sells made-to-order modular store displays. The brand utilizes VividWork 3D Modular Configurator to streamline the visualization of its Lozier gondola shelving for customers.
This “configurator puts control directly in the hands of our customers”, says John Philip, CEO of Grand + Benedicts. It enables customization of every detail in 3D views, from sizes and colors to finishes and back panels. As a result, customers can have a deeper understanding of their custom designs to make smarter and proper buying decisions. Moreover, Visual CPQ helps clarify prices and quotes for every customer's configuration. This helps Grand+Benedicts ensure an apparent, simplified, and error-free sales process.
Whether you’re a retailer, manufacturer, or design-focused brand, talk to us for advice tailored to your needs. VividWorks will walk you through how 3D modular configurators for custom fixtures, modular furniture 3D configurators, or 3D e-commerce configurators can boost customer experiences and leverage your sales process for higher conversions.
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