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Beyond the Web: The Entertainment Technology Experience
Where does your retail shopping take place? In recent years, many people have shopped for their clothes, jewelry, and other retail items online. The convenience of walking through virtual pathways while still sipping your morning coffee and donning your bunny slippers has drawn much appeal. Most retail stores have a Web site, so consumers are letting their fingers do the walking for them.
Yet, is there something missing from the experience? Buyers have spent decades parading through downtown stores, suburban malls, and main streets lined with chic shops with their doors open for commerce. For most, the process of purchasing was as pleasing as buying the highly coveted commodities.
A void in the shopping experience has been created. Where is the young couple holding hands? The mom with carriage and two tikes in toe? The group of teens embracing their youth and taking advantage of their parents’ credit cards? The physicality of the experience is absent from the process of purchase.
The stores return
The stores are still bringing in the customers. Despite the ease and convenience of online shopping, the consumers still feel the need to get out and enjoy the ambience. There is both a pleasure in attaining new items and partaking in the social endeavor.
The stores make their own efforts to celebrate “public shopping.” Stores instilled with elements of entertainment technology are satisfying their patrons. No detail is left neglected. Lighting, audiovisual entertainment technology, communication systems, etc. are integrated in retail stores along with their products.
The trend is increasing in more stores. The Levis Retail Stores in Boston, Chicago, and Seattle offer atmosphere to the buyer along with their line of clothing. Patrons can enjoy the “act” of shopping as well as the commodities garnered.
Technology abound
Retail stores are not the only businesses augmenting their appearance. Casinos, museums, restaurants, and other venues are using entertainment technology to add to their surroundings. Businesses understand that innovative technology both impresses and pleases guests. Volkswagen sought the prowess of entertainment technology leader, Edwards Technologies Inc., and built a visitors center.
What’s next?
Look for entertainment technology to make a continued impact on business. The Internet may have created more options for the enthused purchaser, but it is not stopping them from making a public presence. As the Web creates ways to stay reclusive, entertainment technology advances and causes more reasons to get out from behind the screen and step out on the scenes.
The movie industry is currently swayed by the two, alternate tides. While some may find it convenient to download pictures on the Web, the movie industry plans to add more 3D films into its cannon while some opted theaters offer their audience a 4D experience. The Web cannot compete with entertainment technology.
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