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Funan mall trail-blazes into omni-channel retailing

By Bong Xin Ying

/ EdgeProp |

June 4, 2018 11:47 AM SGT

Funan, owned by CapitaLand Mall Trust and managed by CapitaLand, has raced ahead to become Singapore’s first online-and offline (O&O) shopping mall. It integrates online, offline, data and logistics that are aimed at empowering retailers’ omni-channel strategy.

The Funan integrated development offers a synergistic combination of retail, office and serviced residence components, as the retail innovation hub gears up for opening ahead of schedule in 3Q 2019. (Credit: CapitaLand Group)

On May 25, Funan unveiled its digital blueprint of customer analytics comprising transaction and demographics data, robotic automation, and a 24-hour click-and-collect drive-through supplemented by warehousing facilities within the mall. Funan’s adoption of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and robotic arm marks Singapore’s first such deployment in a retail setting.

Bookings for facilities within Funan can be done via the CapitaStar members’ app, which comes with a smart carpark feature. Shoppers can make purchases using StarPay – the in-app e-payment feature on CapitaStar.

At participating retailers, an AGV can pick up shoppers’ purchases from the store and deposit their bags at a click-and-collect box. The shoppers can self-collect their purchases with a QR code sent to their phone, or utilise the 24-hour drive-through collection service. Outside the stores in Funan, CCTV cameras can capture footfall and demographic data, and generate video analytics.

Shoppers can enjoy the convenience of picking up their purchases from Funan’s 24-hour drive-thru collection service, which is fitted with a state-of-the-art robotic arm that marks Singapore’s first such deployment in a retail setting. (Credit: CapitaLand Group)

“With Funan paving the way forward, we are looking at bringing some of the latest digital innovations and infrastructure to the other malls in our portfolio,” says Tony Tan, CEO of CapitaLand Mall Trust Management Limited.

The Funan integrated development comprises a mall, two Grade A office blocks, as well as The Ascott Limited’s lyf brand of co-living serviced residence.

Funan is opening in 3Q2019, earlier than the originally scheduled 4Q2019.

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