Clarks selects Cloud4Wi for enhanced customer Wi-Fi

 Cloud4Wi, the creator of the world's first open Wi-Fi engagement platform, has completed enhanced guest Wi-Fi at more than 500 Clarks shoe stores in the UK as part of an integrated roll out of the CROWD Wi-Fi solution.

Founded in 1825, Clarks is a global shoe retailer, based in the UK, with both storefront and online shops.

Cloud4wi technology is an integral part of the CROWD solution -- a Wi-Fi based customer intelligence, marketing and analytics package chosen by Clarks Shoes for their UK shoe stores. Installation and management of the in-store Wi-Fi network is provided by Jade Solutions, one of the UK's leading enterprise mobility providers who own and operate the CROWD solution.

The installation uses Cloud4Wi's Smart OnBoarding technology that integrates an interactive survey into the free Wi-Fi login process, providing merchants with information about customer demographics and preferences, shopping patterns, and purchase intent.

Customers log onto the free Wi-Fi using their Facebook account, providing Clarks with highly valuable demographic and other customer data. Alternately, customers may logon by providing their first name and email address.

Most Guest Wi-Fi networks today rely on "simple onboarding". Customers may be asked to agree to a user agreement and then may or may not be directed to the merchant's website or other online destination. Simple onboarding does not gather customer information.

Smart OnBoarding collects customer information in a non-intrusive, even fun, way, based on the merchant's creativity and desire to gather accurate customer information. Survey questions and other elements can be changed at will, allowing the merchant to get actionable customer feedback in real time.

Once onboard Cloud4Wi Guest Wi-Fi, the customer's smartphone or other Wi-Fi device becomes part of the retailers' omnichannel that ties online and storefront shopping experiences together. Features include customer-facing portals, real-time customer engagement, personalized in-store promotion, social media tie-ins, and powerful analytics of customer behavior.

Combined with other customer information, Cloud4Wi's big data provides retailers with a complete view of their customers previously unavailable, especially when linked to other customer-specific information, including loyalty programs.

"Cloud4Wi is the missing link that connects the online shopping experience with retailers' storefronts," said Andrea Calcagno, President and Co-Founder of Cloud4Wi. "Digital consumers demand in-store Internet access and we use that both to improve the shopping experience and gather valuable data for retailers."

Besides Clarks, Cloud4Wi customers include McDonalds, Burger King, IKEA, Aliansce, and Aeon.

"Digital consumers are using smartphones to enhance their shopping experience, accessing product information, promotions and sharing over social media," Mark Brackley, Managing Director of Jade Solutions said. "Cloud4wi are a key technology partner for our business. The Cloud4wi platform enables us to deliver unprecedented benefits to retail clients, allowing a greater engagement and understanding of customer behavior."