How Mall of America Increased Foot Traffic by 35% with Smart Wayfinding
Case StudiesDecember 10, 2024

How Mall of America Increased Foot Traffic by 35% with Smart Wayfinding

Learn how Mall of America implemented EyeOn's digital wayfinding solution to dramatically improve visitor navigation and increase overall foot traffic.

Michael Chen

Senior Solutions Architect

8 min read

Learn how Mall of America implemented EyeOn's digital wayfinding solution to dramatically improve visitor navigation and increase overall foot traffic.


How Mall of America Increased Foot Traffic by 35% with Smart Wayfinding

Mall of America, one of the largest shopping centers in the United States, faced a common challenge: helping visitors navigate their massive 2.8 million square foot facility efficiently. With over 500 stores, 50 restaurants, and numerous entertainment venues, visitors often struggled to find their destinations, leading to frustration and decreased spending.

The Challenge

Before implementing EyeOn's solution, Mall of America relied on traditional static directories and basic mobile apps. The challenges included:

- Complex Layout: Multiple levels and interconnected wings made navigation difficult
- High Visitor Volume: Over 40 million annual visitors needed quick, accurate directions
- Diverse Demographics: Serving visitors of all ages and technical comfort levels
- Seasonal Variations: Different layouts during holidays and special events

The Solution

EyeOn implemented a comprehensive digital wayfinding system featuring:

Interactive Kiosks
- 25 strategically placed touch-screen kiosks throughout the mall
- Real-time store information and promotions
- Multi-language support for international visitors
- Accessibility features including voice guidance

Mobile Integration
- Seamless connection between kiosks and visitor smartphones
- Push notifications for nearby deals and events
- Offline map functionality for areas with poor cell coverage
- Integration with the mall's existing mobile app

Analytics Dashboard
- Real-time foot traffic monitoring
- Popular route analysis
- Store performance metrics
- Visitor behavior insights

The Results

The implementation delivered impressive results within the first six months:

Key Metrics
- 35% Increase in Foot Traffic: More visitors exploring previously underutilized areas
- 28% Reduction in Visitor Complaints: Fewer navigation-related issues
- 42% Increase in Cross-Mall Visits: Visitors discovering new stores and areas
- 18% Boost in Average Visit Duration: Visitors spending more time exploring

Customer Feedback
> "The new wayfinding system has completely transformed our visitor experience. People can now easily find what they're looking for and discover new stores they never knew existed." - Mall Management Team

Store Owner Testimonials
> "Since the new system was installed, we've seen a significant increase in foot traffic to our store. The ability to send directions directly to customers' phones is a game-changer." - Local Retailer

Implementation Timeline

- Month 1-2: System design and kiosk placement planning
- Month 3-4: Hardware installation and software deployment
- Month 5: Staff training and system optimization
- Month 6+: Ongoing monitoring and continuous improvements

Lessons Learned

What Worked Well
1. Strategic Kiosk Placement: Positioning kiosks at major decision points maximized usage
2. Comprehensive Training: Well-trained staff helped visitors adopt the new system
3. Regular Updates: Keeping store information current maintained system credibility
4. Accessibility Focus: Features for all visitors increased overall satisfaction

Challenges Overcome
1. Initial Resistance: Some visitors preferred traditional methods initially
2. Technical Integration: Seamless connection with existing systems required careful planning
3. Content Management: Keeping information current across all touchpoints

Future Plans

Mall of America is now planning to expand the system with:

- Augmented Reality Features: Overlaying directions on visitors' phone cameras
- Voice-Activated Navigation: Hands-free wayfinding for accessibility
- Predictive Analytics: Anticipating visitor needs and suggesting optimal routes
- Integration with Parking: Seamless navigation from parking to destination

Conclusion

The success of Mall of America's digital wayfinding implementation demonstrates the power of technology to transform the shopping center experience. By focusing on user needs and providing multiple interaction methods, EyeOn helped create a more engaging and efficient environment for both visitors and retailers.

Interested in implementing similar solutions in your shopping center? Contact our team to discuss your specific needs and goals.

Tags

Case StudiesWayfindingShopping CentersSuccess Stories

About Michael Chen

Senior Solutions Architect

Published on December 10, 2024