Palliser’s studio concept and innovative online experience revolutionize furniture shopping.
Since launching their Studio retail store-in-store concept in spring 2023, home grown furniture manufacturer Palliser has opened over 80 studios across North America. They call it their North Star and it remains a key piece of Palliser’s business strategy.
Palliser Studios are equipped with a Design Center which acts as a “town square,” featuring large scale swatches and an inviting conversation table where consumers can sort through cover options and finalize their design decisions. Prominently positioned within the Design Center is the Palliser Interactive Designer, a touch screen experience where, using 3D technology, the consumer can create the sofa or sectional to their exact specifications, and see it come to life on screen.
This Studio concept is “about balance and utilizing both technology and design thinking to enhance the overall shopping experience,” says Steve Ambeau, Palliser President. “With design thinking being at the forefront of our strategy, we believe this mindset is leading us to provide user-specific solutions needed to make an informed purchase, while having some fun along the way.”
This concept rings true on the brand’s other digital touchpoints as well. This past February, Palliser launched their newly re-designed website, focusing on personalization and the customer experience. Featuring innovative functionality, enhanced storytelling and exciting new features designed with the customer in mind, the new website is a crucial piece in Palliser’s brand evolution.
The new Palliser.com is equipped with the same state-of-the-art configuration tool, showcased on the Palliser I.D., a key piece of the new Palliser studio concept. From the comfort of home, users can now configure, drape, and choose accessories for their favorite Palliser pieces in real time, reflecting exactly what the finished product will look like. To encourage further visualization, an enhanced Swatch Request tool invites users to order up to 10 fabric or leather swatches, free of charge, to be shipped directly to their home.
Also new is the Style Quiz functionality, allowing users to determine which interior design aesthetic best suits their style, through a series of interactive questions, which then serves up product recommendations and style tips to help them achieve their design goals.
As Palliser approaches their 80th birthday later this year, the new Palliser.com is bringing a heritage company into the minds and homes of younger customers, through sharing the brand’s history and values, and emphasizing the opportunity for personalization.
“There is a paradigm shift with today’s shopper where the younger demographic is generally less loyal to brands than Boomers or Gen X and so it’s critical we are aligning our actions with their expectations. The brands that remain current and work to not only provide solutions but understand the people and behavior that shape those solutions will set themselves apart from others,” says Ambeau.
