*CF Carrefour Laval. Photo: Cadillac Fairview*

Cadillac Fairview is expanding its digital platforms with new service enhancements and first-to-market technology, which will include indoor navigation, improved WiFi, CF SHOP! text and website updates.

Upgraded guest WiFi services will be offered at Cadillac Fairview properties nationwide, with faster connection speeds and easy to use WiFi access. The new platform, offered by Aislelabs, allows users to log in using their social accounts. Guests using the free WiFi need only sign-in once, as they will be auto connected to the internet during every visit. An added roaming feature will allow direct internet access at any Cadillac Fairview shopping centre.

Cadillac Fairview is expanding its 'CF SHOP! Text' platform to all 20 of its retail properties offering quick assistance to guests inquiring about anything from retailers and services to promotions to the latest trends. The service was introduced in November 2015 at eight retail properties including CF Pacific Centre, CF Chinook Centre, CF Masonville Place, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, CF Sherway Gardens, CF Rideau Centre, CF Carrefour Laval, and CF Galeries d'Anjou.

Cadillac Fairview has also launched Chinese language websites for two of its malls -- at CF Markville north of Toronto, and CF Richmond Centre south of Vancouver, which both host a substantial number of Chinese-speaking locals and visitors. Website content is in both Chinese simplified as well as Chinese traditional.

Toronto's CF Fairview Mall is implementing indoor positioning and turn-by-turn navigation -- the first time offered at any Canadian shopping centre. The Navigate Platform, powered by location-based technology provider Aislelabs, delivers accurate indoor positioning with blue-dot wayfinding helping shoppers find their way around the mall. The technology uses a combination of WiFi and Bluetooth beacons for triangulation and acts like an indoor GPS so shoppers can view centre maps, locate their accurate position, and view the shortest route to their desired store or amenity. Interactive 3D maps also provide walking paths across floors. Shoppers can access all mapping and navigation at CF Fairview Mall by downloading the latest CF SHOP! app from the Google Play Store or App Store or by browsing to CF Fairview Mall website.

*Fairview mall wayfinding, image via: mobilesyrup.com*

"Cadillac Fairview continues to aggressively invest in innovative technologies that enhance the consumer shopping experience," said Jason Anderson, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Cadillac Fairview. "Shoppers want to stay connected during their entire shopping journey and we continue to evolve our digital capabilities, leveraging existing services like our CF SHOP! App, as well as investing in platforms to enable efficient, convenient and interactive experiences at all our retail properties."

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: June 22, 2016