7 Awesome Ideas To Make Shopping More High-Tech

Well, it looks like The Smart House has come to line... in the form of a Rebecca Minkoff store. The brand has just announced that its launching super high-tech stores in NYC and San Francisco that allow shoppers browse clothes on a giant screen, get a text message once a fitting room is open, and request another size of color on a touch-screen mirror, all using devices powered by eBay.

Stores that actually make it easier to shop? Um, I’m in. With the rise of online shopping and major retailer like Amazon, pretty much essential for retail stores to keep up with all of the high-tech trends. Uniqlo’s magic mirror lets shoppers see an item in another color, while Amazon is ready to launch its own tech store in New York City. Getting customers in the store is the first (and, let’s face it: most obvious) step in retailing, so it’s great to see stores bending the norm to do so.

But, what are some other ways stores could become high-tech? Let’s dream big here, folks. Nonstop rounds of champagne? A way to cut the long cash register line when you’re in a hurry? Yes, please.

Here are seven high-tech ideas I’m begging every store to add ASAP…even though they may or may not be realistic.

1. Champagne On The House

Sure, it’s something all the fancy guys offer, but what if every store gave you a glass as you shopped? I don’t care if it’s Walgreens or Saks, I want my bubbly.

2. Retail FastPasses

Like the ones at Disneyland, but for impatient people at stores.

3. Crowd Predictor

What if an app let you know how busy your favorite store was before you went to the mall? No more awkwardly bumping the shopper next to you.

4. A Retail Self Control App

You know the apps that block Facebook/Twitter/Bustle when you’re trying to study? I may or may not need one of those when I shop. What if a store alarm went off as you began to buy a pair of boots you didn’t need? Innovation right there.

5. A Magical Size Arranger

I’ve worked retail, so I get that it’s impossible to keep everything sized at all times. What that medium shirt magically made its way to the middle of the pile by itself? A timesaver for all of us.

6. Climate Controlled Fitting Rooms

Here’s a breakthrough: What if stores actually let you try something on in the weather you’ll be wearing it in? Because wearing a winter coat in a hot dressing room or a bathing suit with blasting AC is just uncomfortable.

7. Free iPads For Everyone!

What? A girl can dream.

Images: Getty (7), stephh922/Flickr