Rescaldina Shopping Centre, managed by Nhood, has introduced two services focused on environmental sustainability and customer assistance: cRESCO, an indoor aeroponic garden, and Dina, a virtual assistant accessible through multiple digital channels.
The two initiatives were developed by Hexagro and LIFEdata respectively and selected through the Call 4 Startup programme promoted by Nhood and PoliHub in the “Local Community” category. Together, they address two complementary aspects of the shopping experience: the quality of public spaces and access to information throughout the customer journey.
cRESCO: an indoor aeroponic garden inside the shopping centre
cRESCO is an indoor green area dedicated to growing plants and herbs using an aeroponic cultivation system. The project was developed by Hexagro, a startup specialising in vertical farming technologies.
The installation introduces vegetation into the shopping mall while creating a small seating area with eco-pallet sofas and tables made from recycled wooden cable reels. The space combines cultivation, information and relaxation, offering visitors an environment that extends beyond the traditional shopping experience.
A dedicated digital application allows visitors to explore the characteristics of the cultivated plants by scanning QR codes. The platform also explains how the aeroponic system works and documents the growth of the different species.
An information hub dedicated to sustainability
The application also presents the environmental initiatives adopted by Rescaldina Shopping Centre, including waste separation, energy-saving measures and water resource management.
These initiatives form part of the programme that enabled the shopping centre to achieve BREEAM RFO certification. The same approach will also guide the future expansion of the complex, which is planned according to principles of environmental sustainability and circular economy.
Dina: a virtual assistant supporting the customer journey
Alongside the indoor garden, Rescaldina Shopping Centre has introduced Dina, a free virtual assistant developed with LIFEdata, an innovative startup specialising in artificial intelligence solutions that connect physical and digital retail channels.
Dina supports visitors before and during their visit by providing information on opening hours, stores, restaurants, available services, promotions and events. The assistant can also locate individual stores and launch navigation through Google Maps.
The system also provides information on gift cards, purchasing support and direct access to customer services. It can help visitors contact the shopping centre when required and provides assistance in locating parked vehicles after shopping.
Dina also allows customers to subscribe to the shopping centre newsletter and is accessible both inside and outside the mall through mobile and desktop devices using WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and web chat.
Dina represents an example of AI integration in retail stores based on on-demand customer assistance. Rather than replacing human staff, the virtual assistant expands customer touchpoints and provides immediate access to information throughout the shopping journey.
Technology and sustainability as customer services
Although cRESCO and Dina address different functions, both projects share the same objective: using technology to expand the services available within the shopping centre. The first introduces a green and educational environment, while the second creates a digital assistance layer available throughout the customer journey.
Together, these initiatives present Rescaldina Shopping Centre not only as a retail destination but also as an environment integrating public spaces, environmental awareness and digital services designed to support visitors before, during and after their shopping experience.
More information is available on the Rescaldina Shopping Centre website.