This could mean real trouble for shopoholics. Ralph Lauren is giving the phrase “window shopping” new meaning. The one-of-a-kind display at the Polo Ralph Lauren Store on Madison Avenue in New York City lets you purchase merchandise by simply touching part of the store’s window.
Okay, it’s actually a high-tech touch screen mounted to the store window, but it allows you the same amount of shopping freedom. You can purchase items without having to endure long lines at the cash register. And since you don’t even need to enter the store you won’t have to deal with pushy sales people or rude customers. What’s more, the window operates 24 hours a day, so forget about making it downtown during regular business hours, you can shop when it’s convenient for you.
Another nice attribute of the new “window” is that you don’t have to be tech-savvy to use it. The hi-tech window uses holographic projection screens embedded with grid patterns allowing your finger to work like a mouse on a computer screen. The device includes a slot for credit card payments; if you choose to pay at the window polo.com will ship your order directly to your home address. However, if you don’t feel comfortable completing your transaction on the street, the store will immediately e-mail your order to your home computer and the transaction can be finished there.
Currently, you can shop for U.S. Open merchandise at Polo’s window using the high-tech touch screen. Also, rumor has it that Nike will be the next to install the screens on their store windows. For shopoholics this could mean having to exercise some real willpower. Luckily there is the “pay later” option, which allows some extra time to evaluate whether you really need that cute pink Polo cardigan. Sure beats having to deal with buyer’s remorse.