< Back to previous page
Publication
In or Out? A Field Observational Study on the Placement of Entertaining Robots in Retailing
Journal Contribution - Journal Article
Abstract:Structured abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the role of the placement (i.e., location) of humanoid service robots (HSRs) for entertainment applications in retailing by inspecting a multitude of performance metrics along the point-of-sale (POS) conversion funnel.
Design/Methodology
The study was conducted using unobtrusive observations at a Belgian chocolate store. In total, 42 hours of video observation material were collected and analyzed, with an even spread over three conditions: (1) an HSR placed outside, (2) an HSR inside the store, and (3) a control condition (no robot stimuli). All passersby and their interactions with the robot and the store were systematically coded and compared.
Findings
The study found that the better placement of HSRs (inside or outside the store) is contingent on the goals the retailer prioritizes. When the goal is to create awareness and interest towards the store, the HSR should be placed outside, as it has double the stopping power. To induce consumers to enter the store, placement of the HSR inside the store is the better option. Ultimately, however, in terms of the number of transactions and total amount spent, outside placement of the HSR outperforms inside placement.
Research limitations/implications
This study was not able to verify the internal emotional/cognitive state of the passersby, as the method relied on unobtrusive camera observations. A longitudinal research design would be desirable to exclude potential bias due to the novelty effect.
Originality/value
While research on robots in retail services is emerging, this study is the first to provide insights on how retailers can decide on the placement of robots inside or outside the store, depending on the particular goals they are aiming to reach at the point of purchase.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the role of the placement (i.e., location) of humanoid service robots (HSRs) for entertainment applications in retailing by inspecting a multitude of performance metrics along the point-of-sale (POS) conversion funnel.
Design/Methodology
The study was conducted using unobtrusive observations at a Belgian chocolate store. In total, 42 hours of video observation material were collected and analyzed, with an even spread over three conditions: (1) an HSR placed outside, (2) an HSR inside the store, and (3) a control condition (no robot stimuli). All passersby and their interactions with the robot and the store were systematically coded and compared.
Findings
The study found that the better placement of HSRs (inside or outside the store) is contingent on the goals the retailer prioritizes. When the goal is to create awareness and interest towards the store, the HSR should be placed outside, as it has double the stopping power. To induce consumers to enter the store, placement of the HSR inside the store is the better option. Ultimately, however, in terms of the number of transactions and total amount spent, outside placement of the HSR outperforms inside placement.
Research limitations/implications
This study was not able to verify the internal emotional/cognitive state of the passersby, as the method relied on unobtrusive camera observations. A longitudinal research design would be desirable to exclude potential bias due to the novelty effect.
Originality/value
While research on robots in retail services is emerging, this study is the first to provide insights on how retailers can decide on the placement of robots inside or outside the store, depending on the particular goals they are aiming to reach at the point of purchase.
Published in: International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management
ISSN: 0959-0552
Issue: 7
Volume: 49
Pages: 846-874
Publication year:2021
Keywords:humanoid service robots, observation, field study, POS conversion funnel, retail, business, economics, planning
BOF-keylabel:yes
IOF-keylabel:yes
BOF-publication weight:2
Authors:Regional
Authors from:Government, Higher Education
Accessibility:Closed
Review status:Peer-reviewed