The Project
‘Sports City’ was a pseudonym for the nation’s largest brick-and-mortar retail outlet for golf & sports equipment, apparel, and accessories based on sales. The number #1 goal of this project was to create a “Proof of Concept” interactive prototype that would provide a “holistic digital vision” to disparate portions of their business.
Combining all of their business software technology into a single cohesive ‘ecosystem’ would be a key component toward delivering error-free transactions, responding to customer opportunities, and staying ahead of various market shifts & ‘disruptive digital technologies’ entering the retail sporting goods landscape.
We proposed that this new cohesive ecosystem should be comprised of several different software applications, including:
• A revamped e-commerce website.
• A cloud-based, mobile app for (brick & mortar) Retail Store Managers & Sales Associates.
• A cloud-based, mobile app for local community sports leagues to manage their season.
• Coaches would input schedules, buy merchandise, match records & view statistics while earning points that would enable them to become ‘Brand Ambassadors’.
• A ‘Digital Locker Room’ that was designed to be a ‘virtual space’ (in the cloud) used to track & store User activity data & customized preferences throughout the entire Sports City ecosystem. (Think: Personal Shopper / or Trunk Club for Retail Sports Equipment)
The User Experience
‘Sports City’, the nation’s largest brick-and-mortar retail outlet for golf and sports equipment, apparel, and accessories, is embarking on a transformative journey to create a holistic digital vision. This ambitious project aims to unify disparate portions of their business into a cohesive digital ecosystem, enhancing customer experiences, streamlining operations, and staying ahead of disruptive technologies in the retail sporting goods landscape.
As a customer interacts with various UX Touchpoints, they would accumulate points (in-store) which can be translated into a universal point system that can provide discounts on physical goods or services, at their retail store locations.
A Sports Management App (For Coaches, Parents & Players)
An all-in-one team management mobile app for both adult and youth leagues would make life easier for coaches, parents, players, and club/league administrators. This app would enable coaches to get their Sports team organized, up and running within minutes using various time-saving features.
In-store Apps (For Customers & Sales Staff)
A Tablet PC application for customers to use to request additional help/assistance inside the fitting room. Plus a companion smartphone app that allows Sports City Sales Associates a chance to view items that a Customer is trying on, to make recommendations to upsell additional goods, or quickly find replacement items via a ‘product locator’ map.
Key Components of the Digital Ecosystem
Revamped E-commerce Website
Features:
• Responsive design for seamless browsing across devices
• AI-powered product recommendations based on user preferences and browsing history
• Virtual try-on technology for apparel and equipment
• Live chat support with sports equipment experts
• Integration with in-store inventory for real-time product availability
Benefits:
• Enhanced user experience leading to increased online sales
• Reduced returns through better product visualization
• Seamless omnichannel shopping experience
Cloud-based Mobile App for Retail Store Managers & Sales Associates
Features:
• Real-time inventory management and stock alerts
• Customer profile access for personalized service
• Mobile POS for queue-busting during peak times
• Task management and staff scheduling tools
• Performance analytics dashboard
Benefits:
• Improved operational efficiency
• Enhanced customer service through personalization
• Data-driven decision-making for store management
Sports League Management Mobile Application
Features:
• Schedule management for games and practices
• Team roster and player statistics tracking
• Built-in communication tools for coaches, players, and parents
• Equipment and uniform ordering system
• Integration with Sports City’s loyalty program
Benefits:
• Streamlined league and team management
• Increased engagement with Sports City brand
• New revenue stream through in-app purchases
“Digital Locker Room” Cloud Storage
Features:
• Secure storage for user activity data and preferences
• AI-driven personal shopper recommendations
• Integration with wearable devices for performance tracking
• Virtual equipment testing and customization
Benefits:
• Hyper-personalized shopping experiences
• Increased customer loyalty through tailored services
• Data-rich insights for product development and marketing
Universal Loyalty Program
Features:
• Point accumulation across all touchpoints (in-store, online, app usage)
• Tiered rewards system with exclusive benefits for top-tier members
• Gamification elements (challenges, badges) to encourage engagement
• Integration with sports league app for team-based rewards
Benefits:
• Increased customer retention and lifetime value
• Encourages multi-channel engagement with the brand
• Data collection for targeted marketing campaigns
In-store Customer Experience Enhancement
Features:
• Tablet-based fitting room assistance request system
• Interactive product information kiosks
• Augmented reality navigation for large stores
• Smart mirrors for virtual try-ons and product comparisons
Benefits:
• Improved in-store customer experience
• Reduced staff workload through self-service options
• Increased sales through better product information accessibility
Sales Associate Mobile App
Features:
• Real-time view of customer fitting room selections
• Product locator with in-store navigation
• Access to customer purchase history and preferences
• Upsell and cross-sell recommendation engine
• Mobile checkout capabilities
Benefits:
• Empowered sales staff with instant access to information
• Increased sales through personalized recommendations
• Improved customer service with faster, more informed assistance
Benefits for End-Users
Integration and Data Flow
The power of this ecosystem lies in its seamless integration:
Unified Customer Profiles
Data from all touchpoints feeds into a central customer database, providing a 360-degree view of each customer’s preferences, purchase history, and engagement.
Inventory Synchronization
Real-time inventory updates across online and offline channels ensure accurate product availability information.
Cross-Platform Consistency
A consistent user experience and branding across all platforms reinforces Sports City’s identity and values.
Data Analytics Hub
Centralized data collection and analysis provide actionable insights for business strategy, marketing, and product development.
Benefits for All Users
For Customers
• Seamless shopping experience across all channels
• Personalized product recommendations and offers
• Convenient team and league management tools
• Rewards for engagement and loyalty
For Sales Associates
• Enhanced ability to provide personalized customer service
• Efficient tools for inventory management and sales
• Performance tracking and goal setting
For Store Managers
• Comprehensive view of store performance and customer behavior
• Efficient staff and inventory management tools
• Data-driven decision-making capabilities
For League Administrators and Coaches
• Streamlined league and team management
• Easy equipment and uniform ordering process
• Engagement tools for players and parents
For Sports City Corporate
• Holistic view of business performance across all channels
• Rich data for product development and marketing strategies
• Increased customer loyalty and lifetime value
• Competitive edge in the sporting goods retail market
Future Expansion Possibilities
VR Training Modules
For both staff and customers to learn about products and techniques
AI-powered Workout Plans
Personalized fitness routines based on purchased equipment
Community Marketplace
For users to buy, sell, or trade used sports equipment
Live Streaming Platform
For local sports events, with integration into the league management app
Team Manager App
Generate various sports teams with any number of players. Manage teams,team rosters and lineup at game time.
Sports Uniform Configurator
Set your team up with the newest custom apparel, gear & accessories from recognized industry leaders in sports equipment. Track your team’s custom sizes & notify anyone who might need a friendly reminder to submit their uniform sizes.
Digital Scorebooks
An electronic scorebook is automatically generated, even for people that don’t know how to keep a scorebook. Invaluable for leagues that require ‘manual scorekeeping’.
Stat Tracking Tools
Edit, Manage, View and Analyze team and player statistics. Track stats & results of players anytime they are in the game, or on the field.
Intelligent Digital Signage
This is for special promos (or Rewards Programs) and daily foot traffic, day of the week, or time of day.
Using a placemeter sensor or video camera we can measure: the volume and location of traffic, walking direction of traffic, and number of visits inside the store and dynamically adjust/change the Advertisement (or Offer) on the fly, according to these metrics.
This in-store Advertising content would also be peppered with Secondary Content, which also includes:
• Local Game Results
• UGC Highlights (Play of the Week)
• Healthy Facts / Big Data
• Provides useful educational info (“fun facts”)
• ‘Sports Ambassador’ Videos (i.e. Celebrity Endorsements)Hackathons and Challenges
Regular events to stimulate innovation and push the boundaries of what’s possible with SubThought AI Studio.
We Build The Future.
Ready To Transform Your Digital Presence?
Please get in touch with us today and let’s talk about how we can work together to bring your vision to life.
