Though physical travel agencies are commonplace in North America, the Chinese travel industry is far younger, and so the new brick-and-mortar store from startup agency ZANADU is a surprising concept for many Chinese consumers. Most of the activity in the Chinese travel industry is conducted online, but with its futuristic store ZANADU hopes to attract customers while also giving them a physical manifestation of the image that the brand represents.
ZANADU's brick-and-mortar store is aesthetically inspired by the digital realm whence it was birthed, with pixelated clouds hanging overhead and more color-shifting pixel boxes strewn throughout the space. The space also holds with 20 interactive cubes outfitted with touchscreens, each of which offers a virtual journey across some foreign land.
Every experience in the store is connected to WeChat and QR codes that channel customers into ZANADU's CRM system, ensuring that the company is equipped to leverage every interaction.
Tech-Focused Travel Agencies
ZANADU Opened Its First Brick-and-Mortar Location in Shanghai
Trend Themes
1. Rise of Brick-and-mortar Travel Agencies - The opening of ZANADU's brick-and-mortar store highlights a trend of physical travel agencies emerging in the Chinese travel industry.
2. Integration of Digital and Physical Experiences - ZANADU's interactive store showcases the trend of blending digital and physical elements to enhance the customer experience in the travel industry.
3. Leveraging CRM and Data Analytics - ZANADU's use of WeChat and QR codes to connect customers to its CRM system exemplifies the trend of utilizing customer data and analytics to optimize travel agency operations.
Industry Implications
1. Travel Agencies - The emergence of ZANADU's brick-and-mortar store signals an opportunity for travel agencies to explore new ways of engaging customers through physical locations.
2. Retail - ZANADU's innovative store design and interactive experiences provide inspiration for the retail industry to reimagine traditional storefronts and offer immersive customer experiences.
3. Data Analytics - The integration of CRM systems and data analytics in ZANADU's brick-and-mortar store suggests opportunities for the data analytics industry to provide insights and solutions for travel agencies.