What’s more exciting than innovative technologies? It’s the innovative implementations. Clinique, a manufacturer of skincare, cosmetics, toiletries and fragrances, owned by the Estée Lauder has done just that. Clinique is launching Clinique Smart Bar which is a touch screen counter that is based on Microsoft Surface unit.

Clinique installs Microsoft Surface

The new digital interface enables shoppers to place specially tagged Clinique products on the Clinique Smart Bar. The shoppers can then access product information, and Clinique.com’s best in class user reviews and how-to videos, before adding their products to a virtual browsing basket.
The application allows shoppers to print out a barcode and present it at the nearby express service counter for quick checkout.
Shoppers can also share the virtual browsing basket directly to their Facebook or via e-mail.
“Today’s consumer has more tools and devices than ever before to communicate, connect and learn. From the explosion of smartphones to Google to Facebook, our consumers are looking beyond a one-dimensional experience,” said Ricardo Quintero, Clinique’s senior vice president, global general manager, Market Development.

A picture speaks thousand words so here is how the Clinique Smart Bar looks.

Picture source - Microsoft Surface Blog

WSJ has a report on how companies are trying out new technologies such as interactive mirrors, interactive kiosks and others to increase footfall and customer satisfaction.

Marketing companies are experimenting with a new wave of digital technologies to pitch to consumers while they shop: interactive dressing-room mirrors, kiosks with virtual customer-service representatives, and shopping carts and digital scanners that offer personalized discounts.

These futuristic technologies are among the interactive tools on display at Interpublic Group of Cos.' new retail center at the advertising company's Media Lab in Los Angeles.

There, Interpublic is testing innovative ways for marketers to connect with customers as part of an effort to better understand what makes consumers buy and to encourage companies to rethink their approaches to the role of the retail store.

Connecting these futuristic concepts with social media takes it to all new level.

Another device is a mirror that enables a shopper to scan a dress and then project that clothing onto her body before going to the dressing room. She can also tap the mirror to view different colors, find matching shoes and send the image to her Facebook profile.

Read more.

Mashable has a great innovation story on how some sites are changing the way we shop. Great thing about most of these sites is the way they present the information to the shoppers, you really don’t have to go to each Retailers site looking for deals, these sites will do it for you.

14 Sites Changing the Way We Shop

Socks, underwear, or high-end jeans and shirts you design yourself, Internet services can provide them all. A great look at how some small retailers are using technology and providing simple services in innovative ways.

NYTimes.com - The Man, the Mouse and the Wardrobe