Perry Myers, the longtime owner of the U-Spy Store, didn’t grow up in retail. 

He started his career as a private investigator, tracking people and solving cases. In 2001, he bought a spy gear store and transformed it into a retail-meets-tech destination for homeowners, small businesses, and government clients.

Today, his shop is a case study in how technology is changing retail, proving that staying ahead of innovation keeps a business resilient and successful. 

Here are five ways the U-Spy Store uses technology to reshape the customer experience.

1. Serving the DIY Security Shopper

As technology became more accessible, the U-Spy Store saw new customers who wanted to solve their problems without hiring a professional. Tools like hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and WiFi-enabled surveillance products put the power of security into their hands.

Because of this, Perry quickly realized he needed to pivot his product strategy to meet demand.

“People started buying a GPS tracker or a camera and essentially doing our job,” says Perry.

If you’re a traditional retailer, the rise of DIY culture doesn’t have to be scary. It just means that customers want to feel capable and informed. Your job now is to shift from an expert to a trusted guide.

Focus on educating customers on your products. Create signage, hand out product guides, and create short video tutorials so they can confidently use your products independently.

2. Offering Customized Services

Perry realized that while many customers enjoyed the control of DIY, others just wanted someone they could trust to handle it all. The U-Spy store addresses both needs by offering professional installation services. Perry and his team conduct free on-site consultations and design tailored solutions for their customers using advanced systems like access control, alarm systems, and intercoms.

The flexibility to serve both DIY and professional clients has allowed Perry to expand his customer base and build long-term relationships.

Take a cue from the U-Spy Store and use technology to offer more personalized experiences. Consider how you can implement service options like online appointment scheduling, remote consultations, or smart product recommendations based on customer behavior. 

Having tech-powered customer service makes your business adaptable and customer-centric, giving shoppers more reasons to choose you over the competition.

3. Expanding Product Lines to Match Innovation

When Perry started the U-Spy Store, he only sold basic spy tools. As technology evolved, so did his inventory. Today, Perry stocks advanced surveillance devices like Bluetooth detectors, WiFi cameras, and even forensic phone recovery tools to meet consumer demand. 

This responsiveness keeps the store relevant, especially in an industry where tools become easily outdated.

Looking to stay ahead of the curve? Use these tips:

• Stay on top of trends: Make it a habit to regularly read industry blogs, retail trend reports, and technology updates. 
• Subscribe to industry newsletters: Newsletters from sources like Retail Dive, Retail Brew, or trend-focused publications can give you curated information straight to your inbox. 
• Follow competitor updates: Their moves can give you ideas or highlight gaps in your product line.
• Ask your customers what they want: Customer feedback can shape your inventory and improve your service.

These tips will push you to innovate, giving you a competitive edge.

4. Enhancing Connectivity Across Properties

The U-Spy Store’s team frequently works with clients who need to monitor multiple locations. To enhance the connection and experience, the team connects them across distances without additional internet setups.

This allows customers to access live feeds from several sites in one place, centralize their recording systems, and save money by reducing the need for extra infrastructure. 

Solutions like this redefined the U-Spy Store’s offerings, proving how retail technology can simplify complex needs.

Technology can make your company more solution-focused and satisfy customer needs. When selling products to your customers, ask them questions like: 

• “Why are you looking for this today?”
• “How do you plan to use it?” 

From there, you can help them find tech solutions to make their lives easier and improve the customer experience.  

5. Using Digital Tools to Drive Growth

Word of mouth was once the U-Spy Store’s strongest marketing strategy, but with more competition and evolving technology, Perry turned to Google Ads, email marketing, and other digital campaigns to maintain the store’s online presence. Despite being a niche business, embracing digital marketing has helped expand its reach and attract new customers.

Tech is changing everything, including how you market yourself, so don’t underestimate the importance of your digital presence. Make sure your website is up-to-date, mobile-friendly, and informative. Basic SEO and online advertising can also significantly increase your reach and revenue. 

Think about other ways tech can boost your business. Social media and CRM systems can help you find new customers, manage contacts, and track purchases. Continuing to evolve with technology will help you automate tasks, allowing you and your team to focus on what matters most.  

Conclusion

Technology changed Perry Myers’ inventory while transforming his role as a retailer. Today, the U-Spy Store is a trusted advisor in security, helping customers navigate the fast-moving tech world with confidence, safety, and care.

Perry’s journey is a prime example of how technology is changing retail, prompting retail owners to adopt new technology, prioritize customer retention, and stay up-to-date with retail trends.

Want to learn how other Illinois retailers are embracing innovation? Explore more retail stories spotlighting how local businesses adapt, grow, and lead.

Know a retail owner doing something unique with tech? Nominate A Retailer to share their story with us!