Shopfitting & Merchandising News South Africa

iGlass turns storefront windows into touchscreens

iGlass, a creative template that turns a standard storefront window into a touchscreen where consumers can buy products, get quotes, browse catalogues or brochures and view and be alerted to product information.

The window display technology works with adhesive rear projection film. Images, video and dynamic media content are projected onto the storefront window - or mobile display, turning it into a TV screen. Music and sound effects are also possible add-ons.

iGlass turns storefront windows into touchscreens

Targeted for retailers

The launch takes place in a highly competitive local retail environment, where growth has been slowing. There is increased pressure on retailers to boost sales, increase traffic and improve brand awareness.

The value to retailers include being able to promote their businesses at events and trade shows, in shop fronts, or as part of 'lobby displays'. The solution can be tailor-made to specific retailer needs and cater for different glass or surface dimensions. The projectors can accommodate small surfaces up to large buildings.

Because of the gestures available, it can also be used to play games designed and tailor made by the retailer, take part in competitions and share company information socially on multiple platforms, including social media.

It is targeted at retailers and landlords of properties with high foot traffic rates who want to draw more passing trade, but are facing traditional constraints in the retail space. These include limited shopping hours, limited floor space for displays, and increased rental space costs. Retailers will be able to 'maximize their real estate': customers will be able to shop in their stores 24/7.

"The vision and strategy is to enable retailers to combine the best of digital interactivity and 'always on' culture with the familiarity and tangible benefits of the traditional retail environment," says Wayne Levine, CEO of NXT\.

App to transmit and share

Among the planned phases for development is the introduction of an application that will enable consumers to interact with any store that uses the technology, and transmits information from iGlass to themselves, or share with their friends on social media.

It also plans to introduce QR code technology that will enable a 'virtual shopping experience' for consumers, as they will be able to use a mobile phone to read the code, which will then direct them to the respective retailer's mobile site. They can make purchases or conduct transactions on the spot or in the privacy of their homes at a later stage. The use of QR codes will also enable retailers to generate customer leads.

The company will produce interfaces tailor made to the specific retailer and can also be used by other sectors, from transport stations, to real estate companies, to educational facilities and government agencies.

It is affordable to retailers of any size and can be cost-effectively scaled across multiple outlets. It is easy to install and is completely maintained and updated by the company, including the introduction of a reporting platform that account for its usage and contribution to revenues.

To check out iGlass in action, go to www.facebook.com/NXTDigitalInnovation.

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