We organised an innovative retail activation just outside all major Telenet shops during the holiday season. We installed specially designed booths where people could get a free hot chocolate milk. But people had to heat it themselves by hugging each other. When the booths detected a hug, they automatically activated two microwaves that heated the chocolate milk.

The special designed booths were placed just outside ten Telenet shops all over Belgium. When people came to get their free hot chocolate, they had to stand before a big screen and hug. A bespoke hug detection system based on blob detection technology was developed. The system’s algorithms could identify human movements, such as hugs. Once the system detected a hug, it activated two microwave ovens to heat the chocolate milk.

During each 30-second hug, a photo was taken that immediately became available inside the Telenet shops. Not just getting extra attention for Telenet but also guaranteeing increased visitors in store.

The entire event was reported in a social video that was sent as warm Telenet Christmas wishes on Facebook and Instagram.

- 10 stores

- 5418 hot chocolates

- 66,6% increase in retail traffic

- 36% increase in sales

- 2709 hugs