Interactive technology is redefining the way consumers can shop for wall décor. Available for retailers to see firsthand this week at the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Florida, Integra Interactive unveiled two options for stores to help shoppers visualize what wall art might look like in their homes before ever making a purchase.

My Artfully is Integra’s in-store solution to capitalize on the growth explosion of home décor as fueled by HGTV. The new kiosk shows wall décor in actual size and high resolution to consumers.

“We’ve heard comments from people with years of experience in the Christian retail industry that this is the best idea to ever come out of Integra,” said David Amster, chief innovation officer for the Antioch, Tennessee, company.

Tested in November and December in 13 retail locations, the My Artfully in-store kiosks were evaluated and moved forward in April. Using a 48-50-inch television, retailers can guide consumers through approximately 2,500 wall décor options from nine vendors by searching for art by theme (e.g., eagles or prayer), type (e.g., canvas or word) or Scripture reference.

A “Play Designer” option lets the consumer visualize what a piece of artwork would look like in certain types of rooms such as a kitchen or bedroom. Ship-to-home or ship-to-store ordering options are available.

A second option, a mobile website suitable for devices such as computers, notebooks or phones is being refined and built to launch Sept. 15. It uses responsive design to move components around based on the size of the screen being used. This technology is expected to include the categories of wall décor, home décor and fashion from as many as 15 vendors at a cost to retailers at $40-$120 a year.

Incentives to stores include commissions on items sold through the mobile websites as well as 30-40 percent margins on in-store sales with the kiosk. In addition, both technologies cut down on the need for retailers to maintain wide-ranging inventories.

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