Ron Haans, Koen Wouters | First Impression

Ron Haans and Koen Wouters, CEO and CIO of First Impression audiovisual, provide an overview of the projects that the omnichannel experience expert was able to implement last year in the invidis annual commentary.

The first half of 2021 was challenging for us, like for many other players in our market. Lots of prospects were postponing their investments. We were forced to be even more creative and persistent than ever. As a result, our second half of 2021 started out very promising. We managed to get brands like Volvo and a large Dutch food retailer on board with our automotive and food retail concepts. And we extended our long lasting partnership with Basic-Fit, European market leader in ‘value-for-money’ gyms.

Smart dynamic content in food retail

For a Dutch food retailer, we recently started the rollout of an innovative instore communications concept. Serving relevant information to customers that is appealing, smart and data-driven to a new level. The first part of this gigantic project will be finished in 2022.

Automotive retail is changing lanes to omnichannel

We also see a big shift in automotive retail. More people are buying a new car or occasion the ‘Gen-Z way’. The road to purchase starts long before a showroom visit takes place. Before going to the showroom, the customer already knows exactly which car they want to buy. However, customer journeys are not matched to this ’new‘ principle. After developing a clear vision and prototyping, we convinced Volvo to jump in.

For Volvo, we got the chance to build a next generation flag ship store. With a consumer-centric approach, we use smart, digital technologies to create experiences that inform, inspire and activate consumers. They also empower the sales teams to really help their customers, close deals and sell additional services, moving a step closer to a ‘customer first’ experience.

TUI and the digital retail journey

With TUI we went on a digital journey to discover a better, smarter booking experience. With more convenience, more fun, more inspiration and more conversion. A range of data driven videowalls, dynamic shop windows, in-store displays and interactive advice table with touch technology we created a seamless customer experience.

More than 1000 Basic-Fit gyms in Europe

Another one of our highlights is the opening of the 1000th Basic-Fit club in Europe. Basic-Fit is Europe’s largest gym chain. We’ve have been their creative technology partner since the beginning. Implementing and constantly developing the total package of audiovisual support: from music to the light plan and from digital signage to virtual group lessons. Next to that, First Impression’s inhouse creative agency designs and implements all content for all clubs and service is available 24/7/365. Basic-Fit strives for continuous club optimization and innovation. First Impression creates digital concepts and experiments with audio visual technology. For example, the self-service kiosk, virtual coach, virtual gym, digital signage, virtual spinning and even an in-house high-tech Basic-Fit recording studio.

Smart deployment with Rituals

Since 2019, we are privileged to work our magic for the cosmetics brand Rituals. For every new store worldwide, we implement all AV technology. In 2021, we finished the roll back of the existing Rituals stores that needed an upgrade of their instore AV technology. In total, we have upgraded 558 stores, installed 348 cash desk displays and 553 shop window displays in 14 countries. And all of this through smart deployment; zero airplane miles were made to realize this.

Optimistic about 2022

In 2021, we grew our workforce with 40 percent, counting over 175 employees at the beginning of 2022. We have high expectations for 2022. Being more ready and experienced than ever, we expect to secure a record revenue of 50 million euros. Swinging experience in every corner of the world to make as many lasting impressions as we possibly can.