By: Yandell Hankey II
Technology and the Internet are finding ways to integrate themselves in to every part of our daily lives. In the advertising and retail industries innovation in technology and the in-store shopping is changing the norms of the consumer shopping experience as a whole. A recent invention called the magic mirror, created in the partnership of Sharp and DNP technologies, has begun making its day view in stores overseas and in select cities across America.
Finally, there is a mirror that will tell you just how good you look. Similar to the mirror in Disney's Snow White, the magic mirror is an interactive photo booth filled with interactive apps tailored for enhancing the customer shopping experience. The magic mirror is just about everything from a billboard to a salesman. It allows companies to advertise their latest product through consumer generated marketing. In retail, some stores have begun integrating this technology into their daily sales plan. The magic mirror allows customers to wear and compare products, take pictures, and gives them the opportunity to share their photos via email or social media. The magic mirror even greets customers! And after customers are done, it records their shopper data for marketing analysis. From a consumer point of view, one of the best things about this invention is that it allows you to eliminate an inconvenient trip to the fitting room.
Where can you find a magic mirror in the US? Currently, you can only expect to see magic mirrors in some of the most infamous shopping districts and well-known retailers. Uniqlo introduced the magic mirror to the retail world in stores located in Japan and San Francisco. Other well-known retailers who have invested in the magic mirror are Bloomingdales in New York and Macy's in New York and San Francisco. Sharp and DNP technologies have made a major move in innovating the consumer shopping experience. While only a few are here now, expect to see more in the future. Depending on the performance of magic mirrors out now, more retailers and business will begin to follow the trend.
I worked in retail this summer as a buyer at Saks Fifth Avenue and I must say - this technology was at the forefront of many of the company wide meetings that took place during my time at the company. Companies are aggressive and hungry to be the first with this technology. However, many are also trying to be wise and wait for the price of the technology to decrease as well as wait for the "kinks" to be worked out.
ReplyDeleteI like this blog post. Me and my family are always shopping for new clothes and I must say that this idea of the mirror is very unique and definitely adds to the user's experience when buying new clothes. By allowing the customer to wear and compare products, take pictures, and giving you the opportunity to share photos via email or social media. This idea of a mirror is truly Magic!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting concept. I am intrigued by the advancement of projector technology. Using this new mirror in a retail store would decrease the average customer shopping time significantly, making fitting rooms a second option for most. Of course, this development may be costly to implement and upgrade in a retail store; however, it may prove to be a worthy investment.
ReplyDelete