These Mannequins Are Watching You…

Mannequins are typically used in retail stores to display apparel and fashion accessories. By placing products on a human-like form, shoppers can see exactly how the item looks when worn, which of course translates into more sales. But the Italian mannequin-maker Almax is taking a step in a different direction with its innovative new line of mannequins.

According to a report by Retail Innovation, Almax has developed a line of EyeSee mannequins featuring video cameras embedded into the eyes. They appear to be ordinary mannequins from the outside, but the eyes have video cameras with facial-recognition software, tracking shoppers’ movements and actions. The camera automatically works in conjunction with the software, identifying shoppers’ age, gender and race.

You might be wondering why any retail store would feel the need to use a mannequin with a video camera? Well, there are several benefits worth noting, one of which is its positive impact on theft. Each year, U.S.-based retailers lose billions of dollars to shoplifting — a cost that places many businesses at risk for being shut down. EyeSee mannequins, however, can deter theft by providing supplemental video surveillance for retail store owners.

Of course, the real benefit of Almax’s innovative line of EyeSee mannequins is its ability to track shoppers’ movement. Ever wonder who’s checking out your products? With EyeSee, you can easily capture data regarding the demographic of shoppers who view certain products. And using this information, you can make smarter marketing and visual merchandising decisions. Demographic data goes a long ways in the retail industry, and the EyeSee mannequin may help retailers capture this data more easily. The only real downside is its hefty price tag of $4,600 for the standard model.

“Any software that can help profile people while keeping their identities anonymous is fantastic. It could really enhance the shopping experience, the product assortment, and help brands better understand their customers,” said Uché Okonkwo, executive director of consultant Luxe Corp.

Almax is also planning to implement a microphone in its EyeSee mannequins. If successful, it will eavesdrop on shoppers, listening to what they have to say about a product or display.

Do you think the EyeSee mannequin is helpful or creepy?

If you have any questions at all about mannequins or visual merchandising in general, please give us a call at 800.241.6897 or email us at /contact-us/.