Are retailers excited about kiosks again?

InternetRetailer is carrying this interesting story about using in-store kiosks to combat Internet shopping. As they note, "Some 50% of U.S. consumers use the web at some point during the purchase, even if it’s only to research a product. Now, customers who are used to the control and level of information they have access to online are bringing those expectations into the store, sparking a return of retailers’ interest in kiosks, according to a new report from Forrester Research, 'The retail kiosk comeback.'"

Particularly interesting was this clip:

[A]ccording to Forrester’s data, 67% of consumers polled believe kiosks would be a great way to get information without talking to a sales associate. The report notes that in-store kiosks can assist sales associates as well by giving them access to information already researched by shoppers they are assisting.

If true, the industry could see a number of new and interesting applications come to the foreground, further augmenting salesperson knowledge while giving retail locations access to a greater breadth and depth of information while providing new product and service opportunities.