NEW YORK — Duane Reade’s Wall Street megastore here has unveiled a holographic imaging and audio-visual technology that creates the illusion of a real person.
The virtual assistant greets shoppers as they enter the store and provides instructions on seeing the “Doctor on Premise”, getting a virtual makeover, hours of operation, checkout information and makes suggestions and recommendations on foods, drinks, cosmetics, hair and pharmaceutical choices.
“Our Virtual Greeter is an essential part of the ‘wow factor’ we have built into our newest store and serves as ambassador of the new Duane Reade customer experience,” said Paul Tiberio, senior vice president of merchandising & chief marketing officer for Duane Reade, in a statement. “And because the Virtual Assistant is so compelling, shoppers are receptive to the wealth of information she provides, enabling them to get the big picture of everything the store has to offer in a very personal and exciting way.”
