Partner Spotlight: Koen Wouters at First Impression
Koen Wouters shares how they blends storytelling, AV tech, and strategy to create immersive retail experiences.
Can you tell us a bit about your company and the journey that led you to where you are today?
Absolutely! At First Impression, we live to create “phygital” experiences—where physical spaces meet digital storytelling. Our journey began over 25 years ago, with a strong belief in the power of audiovisual technology to elevate the customer experience. Today, we’re proud to be one of Europe’s leading full-service digital signage integrators. From strategy and concept to execution and optimization, we handle every step in-house.
It’s all about experience—that’s not just a slogan, it’s our DNA.
What inspired you to partner with Dise, and how has this partnership benefited your business?
Dise shares our passion for seamless, impactful experiences. Their IXM platform fits into our ecosystem—flexible, robust, and partner-first, just like us. Partnering with Dise has given us the freedom to scale and deliver consistently across a variety of retail environments while maintaining full creative control. It’s not just about technology, it’s about shared values and a commitment to innovation.
What unique value or expertise does your company bring to the digital signage ecosystem?
We’re not just technologists—we’re storytellers. Our strength lies in blending creative content, cutting-edge AV technology, and strategic thinking to craft experiences that truly resonate. Unlike many, we don’t outsource creativity or logistics. Our multidisciplinary team includes UX designers, AV engineers, motion designers, and strategists all under one roof. That integrated approach allows us to move fast and execute flawlessly.
Can you share a success story where your solution significantly improved a customer’s experience?
One of our most iconic projects is the House of Rituals in Amsterdam, a perfect showcase of how technology can elevate well-being and storytelling. Rituals wanted to create more than a store; they envisioned a sanctuary where retail, wellness, and experience blend seamlessly. We brought that vision to life with immersive AV, interactive touchpoints, and ambient digital content tailored to each space—from the shop floor to the Mind Spa.
What makes this project so powerful is how the technology fades into the background and enhances the atmosphere.
It’s a holistic experience—customers don’t just shop; they feel transported. And behind the scenes, the solution is scalable and manageable thanks to our end-to-end integration and partners such as Dise, who make it possible to operate such complexity with simplicity.
It’s a destination, not just a store and it’s reshaping what experiential retail can be.
What emerging trends or challenges in digital signage are you most excited about or focused on solving?
Personalization and sustainability are at the forefront. Retailers are demanding systems that not only engage but also adapt real-time content tailored to context, time of day, or even shopper profiles. Simultaneously, there’s increasing attention to the environmental footprint of digital signage. We are heavily investing in modular, energy-efficient solutions and lifecycle-conscious designs.
How do you see the role of digital touchpoints evolving in connecting online and in-store experiences?
Digital touchpoints are no longer a ‘nice-to-have’; they’re essential connectors in the customer journey. The boundaries between online and offline have blurred. Consumers expect consistency and immediacy. Whether they start browsing at home and finish in-store or vice versa, we’re designing touchpoints that support that fluid journey—content-driven, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated.
How do you collaborate with Dise to tackle complex customer needs and drive innovation?
Dise enables us to focus on the experience layer, knowing that the backbone, the IXM platform, is rock-solid. We collaborate closely on API integrations, hardware compatibility, and remote monitoring capabilities, which are crucial for enterprise retail rollouts. Dise is responsive, open to feedback, and genuinely invested in making their partners successful. That kind of synergy fuels innovation.
What advice would you give to other companies considering partnerships in the digital signage industry?
Choose partners who share your mindset, not just your business goals. Look for flexibility, transparency, and a clear commitment to long-term value. Digital signage is a fast-evolving space. You need partners who are not just reactive, but proactive. Those who see your success as their own.
If someone wants to learn more about your offerings or explore working with you, where should they start?
Start by visiting our website or our experience center in Tilburg. Even better, come talk to us about your customer journey challenges. We thrive on good challenges. Whether you’re a retailer looking to enhance your in-store experience or a brand seeking to connect better with your audience, we’re here to co-create the future with you.
For more information:
Monika Lindquist, CMO, Vertiseit Group
monika.lindquist@vertiseitgroup.com
Sebastian Kryh, CEO, Dise
sebastian.kryh@dise.com