Samsung is transforming Singapore retail chain Metro’s Paragon department store on the Orchard Road luxury shopping street.

Metro intends to use Samsung’s technologies to support its retail transformation initiatives, including implementing large-format digital signage and optimising operations using integrated business platform SmartThings Pro and the MagicInfo content management system.

In the coming months, 12 large-format digital signs will be introduced across three floors of Metro Paragon. These will replace conventional, lower-resolution LED and LCD screens. Shoppers will also be able to experience Samsung’s devices and see how they can be integrated in their households for more intuitive living experiences.

“Shoppers are invested in experiential moments when they visit a departmental store today,” said Erwin Wuysang-Oei, Metro (metro.com.sg) CEO. “It is a venue for discovery and experiences, and Metro hopes to excite shoppers with our retail transformation efforts that are engaging, while helping shoppers uncover new brands to connect with. In parallel, we want our investments to help us optimise our operations and drive greater value for our brand in the long run.”

Jeffrey Hahn, president of Samsung (www.samsung.com) in Singapore, added: “Metro had a clear vision with how they wanted to elevate retail experience in the heart of Orchard Road. We saw the opportunity to partner with the team on evolving customer experiences, as well as to help the store be more efficient in managing their suite of devices, so operational processes such as monitoring of energy consumption and content management for digital signages can be better optimised. With SmartThings Pro and MagicImfo, the Metro team can lean on smart insights and manage connected devices easily and securely on our platform.”

At the newly opened 920m² SleepLab, shoppers are greeted with a 60m U-shaped Samsung IEA commercial LED screen, which wraps three sides of the show floor. This is also the largest indoor retail deployment of the IEA screen within an indoor retail environment in Singapore. Pave System (www.pave.com.sg), an audio-visual system integration firm, led the deployment of this setup for the zone.

SleepLab is part of Metro’s retail transformation by creating an immersive space for shoppers seeking a perfect sleep experience with the right mattress, pillows and bedding. The space evokes sensory experiences across sight, smell and touch, helping shoppers envision how a good night sleep could feel.

Metro worked with South Korea’s Habitant to create a 15-minute digital art film that takes advantage of the unique screen set up and LED HDR (high dynamic range) feature to create an immersive dreamscape for shoppers as they try out the beddings in the area. It features ambient audio pieces composed to create a soothing environment as shoppers try out mattresses and bedding to find their perfect sleep setup.

SleepLab’s digital experiences are centrally managed by SmartThings Pro and MagicInfo, where conditions within the space can be automatically adjusted based on pre-set routines and instructions.

SmartThings Pro (partners.smartthings.com/smartthings-pro) is an integrated business platform that helps organisations centrally manage their connected devices and monitor energy consumption, as well as help trigger real-time alerts based on AI diagnostics. The goal is to help Metro achieve up to 30% energy savings with plans to expand the use of the platform across all supported devices across its three floors at Paragon.

Content for the large-form display can also be centrally managed via MagicInfo (www.samsung.com/us/business/solutions/digital-signage-solutions/magicinfo/), a content management platform that helps Metro quickly create, upload and manage digital signage. This enables the team to push out promotional content more effectively, and from a virtual location, rather than manually updating individual signs.

In the coming months, shoppers will also be able to try out a connected Samsung experience with the introduction of Galaxy Watch and the Bespoke AirDresser at the space. With Galaxy Watch, shoppers can understand how they can potentially track and improve their sleep quality with the help of Samsung Health, along with a suitable bed and healthy habits. Shoppers can also use the Bespoke AirDresser to sanitise their outerwear before, during and after their time at the SleepLab, which is also meant to mimic a bedroom environment.