Ebay shoppable windows

by Startacus Admin

Ebay shoppable windows...

If you are a regular reader of Startacus, you’ve probably picked up by now that we do like any type of innovation or creativity linked with “saving the high street”.

From pop up shops, a pop up village (yep you read that right) to trader markets, and conferences addressing the future of the high street, we do like to feature the good news and inspirational things that are happening in the world of retail.

But innovation doesn’t always have to be inspired by individual traders, councils or creative groups - real innovation can come from ‘the established’ spaces and places that we can often dismiss - because they ain’t always that ‘cool’ to promote and talk about.

However, whilst Ebay may certainly have taken some retail sales away from the high street, it is worth taking a look at one of their most recent ideas - the Ebay shoppable window and considering how perhaps you can integrate such an idea into your local area, shop or business front.

So what is Ebay Shoppable Window?

Basically - it’s like a virtual shop front, with the retail stores’ products on display. Measuring 9 feet by 2 feet high, the touchscreen shopfront will allow ‘walk-past’ customers to view and and order products for home delivery.

The screens are being trialled in a few stores in New York - and the pilot, which kicked off a couple of weeks ago, will end on July 7th.

High Street and local retailers often bemoan the growth of online shopping as a reason why their businesses suffer, however as Steve Yankovich, head of Ebay’s Innovation & New Ventures group, which developed the technology highlighted:

"This extends the boundary of the store. Suddenly the physical store, by virtue of online technology, extends to any space that's interesting to use," Yankovich said.
So addressing the problem and potentially providing a super cool solution. It’s a problem all retailers - especially independent ones face. Now we’re not suggesting that you all give Ebay an immediate shout and ask if you can get involved - however Ebay Shoppable Windows (as much as Ebay is a maaaassssive reason for the growth of online shopping) is an innovative approach at matching up the online retailer and the physical retail space.

It begs the question - how can you use technology to strengthen your products, services, and business? How can you embrace online retail, rather than see it as a threat to your very physical existence?

Startacus looks forward to seeing how the trials work out and following up on this story as it develops.

If you are Starting a Business on eBay this handy link may help with some of the basics too.

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• #retail
• #high street
• #innovation
• #creative

Published on: 25th June 2013