According to Creativity-Online.com, Net-a-Porter is going to launch Augmented Reality Windows where consumers can interact and purchase products from the otherwise-online designer discount store.  After seeing the popularity of the trial "Window Shop" shown in the video below, plans are to launch these interactive window displays in key cities across the world including Paris, London, Sydney and New York.  Back in November 2011, BEcause business director Joss Davidge looked at how another online giant, eBay, was using window space in Manhattan to sell products using QR codes (New Visual Merchandising).  It seems like Net-a-Porter want to take this one step further allowing consumers to experience the brand through a special mobile app that reacts to the products placed in the shop window revealing much more than just the price.

Mary Portas has definitely made our Christmas card list for promoting such a positive message about the important role experience plays in defining a brand. In the first episode of her brilliant new Channel 4 series 'Secret Shopper', which aired last night, Mary presented a bold solution for reviving  the brand image of fast-fashion chain - Pilot.  Recognising that the changing room experience is a major deciding factor in the customer's buying process, Mary revitalised the look of their Braintree store with fun, unique and celeb-inspired changing rooms as a focal point for the store.  Our favourite part was the 'Tweet mirror' which allows customers to instantly post a pic of themselves to Twitter straight from the changing rooms! For any of you who missed it, the first episode will be available on 4OD shortly

Panasonic is launching a Full High Definition (HD) 3D roadshow this May to showcase its 3D TV experience to consumers. The roadshow will run for nine weeks and will visit 33 shopping centres and other public areas in six regions throughout the UK. Brand experience specialist BEcause has been tasked with co-ordinating and staffing the roadshow. Six walk-in theatre booths designed by Bates Design Ltd and built by the Early Action Group, will be placed at specially selected venues for three days at a time, with a Panasonic retailer in the nearby vicinity. Inside each booth, up to four people can sit down and preview the Panasonic 3D home cinema experience with a short film showing a fast-paced mixture of sports, travel, underwater shots and music clips. After the screening, BEcause Brand Ambassadors will talk to shoppers about how they can now bring Panasonic 3D TV into their own living rooms. Interested shoppers will then be directed to their nearest local Panasonic Store. Sharon Richey, managing director of BEcause comments: “This experience is showing consumers that the Full HD 3D experience is no longer limited to the cinema.  By working closely with regional retailers we're confident that this memorable experience will translate seamlessly into sales.” Andrew Denham, marketing director at Panasonic UK, comments: “2010 will be the year that the 3D experience will be available in the living room.  This roadshow will demonstrate Panasonic’s commitment to innovation in this area, and will showcase the way these technologies will revolutionise the way we experience entertainment in the home – from movies and television to gaming.” This is the second large scale campaign that BEcause has co-ordinated for Panasonic. Last year, the agency, together with Bates Design Ltd and the Early Action Group, co-ordinated a successful roadshow to build awareness of Panasonic’s Full HD 3D capabilities in the lead up to Christmas.

Drench, the bottled water brand from Britvic Soft Drinks, is coming to the aid of thirsty shoppers at Bluewater Shopping Centre with its rehydrating “Top Up Zone”.  Inside the zone, thirsty shoppers can relax and top up their hydration levels with ice cold bottles of Drench water.  The zone also features a "sonic chair" and "interactive table" which allow people to browse the web and listen to music using the latest touch screen technologies and noise reducing headphones. Source: marketingservicestalk

Fashion house Burberry treated fashionistas around the world to a virtual front row seat at its autumn/winter 2010 runway show at this month’s London Fashion Week.  Using 3D technology the fashion house simultaneously streamed the live show diretcly to custom-designed spaces in New York, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and LA.  The aim of the stunt was to bring global Burberry fans closer than ever before to the colours, fabric and music of the show.  Source: Marie Claire