New Purple WiFi deal is a schuh-in

MANCHESTER-based  social WiFi software company Purple WiFi has announced a new partnership with footwear brand schuh to provide family-friendly and secure social connections with mobile stock checking across its retail stores.

Schuh wanted a guest WiFi system which was easily accessible through social log in or a short form, enabling seamless subsequent visits and a built-in easy-to-use reporting platform.

In addition, schuh needed to easily edit login pages and URL directs, identifying devices in different locations and view analytics. Schuh will also use the WiFi to automatically direct customers to the www.findmysize.co.uk service which allows customers to check stock in real time on their phones.

Other factors in schuh’s decision to choose Purple WiFi included the ability to gain social media exposure and encourage customers to more easily use social tools such as Skype and FaceTime to show their friends potential purchases.

Free guest WiFi makes connectivity and social sharing much easier, as there is no need to rely on 3G or 4G availability.

Chris Johnston, customer insight manager at schuh, said: “We’re delighted that Purple WiFi can be customised so that visitors to our stores are getting a real schuh experience when they access our free WiFi. The potential insight that the analytics will give us and how it can be used to make visiting our stores even more enjoyable for our customers is really exciting”.

Chief executive of Purple WiFi Gavin Wheeldon added: “It’s fantastic to see this example of a retailer using the power of Purple to make a real difference to the customer.

“Using Purple WiFi has allowed schuh to create efficiencies, encourage brand loyalty and hopefully give the customer a better experience. This is a great example of the channel model in action, working together with Ingram Micro, Egton, Meraki and schuh.”

Purple’s success follows a £3.3m investment into the company after Sir Terry Leahy joined the board.
Other angel investors involved in the funding were Bill Currie, Iain MacDonald and Bob Willett from the William Currie Group with participation from Juno Capital a leading syndicate.