Challenge
Decathlon stores are large-format retail environments carrying thousands of SKUs across dozens of sport categories. Staff cannot be everywhere at once. Customers often leave without finding what they need, or without discovering the full range available.
The sheer breadth of the product catalogue means that even experienced staff members cannot hold detailed knowledge of every item. Customers browsing unfamiliar categories — a runner exploring cycling gear, for example — have no easy way to compare products or understand specifications without seeking out an associate.
Solution
A Virbe Metahuman kiosk deployed in-store with three integrated capabilities:
1. RFID product scan
Customer scans any product tag on the kiosk's built-in RFID reader. The avatar immediately provides:
- Full product specifications — materials, sizing, weight, performance ratings
- Product comparisons — similar items across price points and sport categories
- Care instructions — washing, storage, maintenance guidance
- Complementary products — accessories, related gear, and bundle suggestions
The interaction is hands-free and conversational. Customers can ask follow-up questions naturally, exactly as they would with a knowledgeable store associate.
2. Store navigation
When a customer asks "where are the running shoes?" or "I need a tent for four people," the kiosk displays an interactive store map highlighting the exact location with a walking route from the customer's current position.
This reduces the most common friction point in large-format retail: customers wandering aisles looking for the right section, or giving up and leaving.
3. Engagement layer
Between service interactions, the kiosk runs quizzes about sports and Decathlon products. Correct answers unlock prize vouchers, driving repeat engagement and footfall.
This turns idle kiosk time into an active brand touchpoint — customers who approach out of curiosity stay for the game, and often transition into a product query.
Tech stack
- Virbe Platform — core conversational AI engine
- Metahuman kiosk — physical deployment hardware
- Knowledge Base & RAG — product catalogue integration
- RFID integration — real-time product identification
- Interactive map integration — in-store wayfinding
- Conversation Flow Editor — structured dialogue paths for product queries and navigation
Status
Live — deployed in-store with active customer interactions.