first published week of: 06/30/2014
Gadgetry is so intertwined with our daily lives that the physical shop is about to be transformed by innovations that will make the shopping experience more fulfilling, open up a plethora of new marketing opportunities and lead to huge savings for both business and customer. Here are some of the changes we'll soon all experience:
Transparent screens:
Storefront windows will become interactive, revolutionizing the architecture of high streets. Instead of simply displaying goods, these screens will enable shoppers to see entire catalogues, forthcoming offers and new ranges by tapping a fingers on the glass – even when the shop is closed. These new transparent screens, recently developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will also allow for a wider viewing angle and video footage. They can also be installed as dressing room mirrors, supplying useful information about products without obstructing the customer's view.
Hologram departments:
Because of the relative ease of creating and installing holograms and augmented reality technology, such devices will soon be commonplace. Holograms in changing rooms will enable shoppers to try on clothes without the need to get undressed. Smart glasses will also allow shoppers to use hologram technology to assess whether certain foods contain ingredients to which they might be allergic. continued…