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Probably the least exciting part about shopping is waiting in line at the checkout or waiting in an overcrowded restroom when nature calls.
However, in a time of heightened awareness about the quality of living, mega Chinese online retailer T-mall, which is owned and operated by Alibaba, has transformed even the most mundane shopping destinations, into ones that shoppers, might actually enjoy.
While waiting to use the restrooms, shoppers now have the option to continue shopping via an automatic vending machine that sells a range of personal care and feminine products. They can also try on beauty products like eyeliners, mascara, blush and lipsticks from mainstream brands such as Benefit and Estee Lauder, in front of two virtual mirrors before making a purchase.
“Going to the restroom feels like a new experience now. There are more things to do while waiting in line,” said a customer.
Products like hair spray, female sanitation pads, mouthwashes etc are selling at 0.01 yuan or 0.0016 US dollars.
Alibaba’s latest high-tech initiative coincides with China’s drive to build cleaner public restrooms across the country. Though these smart machines can’t actually speed up the queue, they can create a more captivating environment and attract new customers.
T-Mall is aiming to install these
“Smart Dressing Room” facilities at every INtime Mall across China by April, following the first one which was launched at the West Lake INtime Shopping Mall in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province.
With smart technologies continuing to cater to consumer needs, T-Mall said more products will be added to the machines in the future, expanding services for shoppers and businesses alike.
“In addition to serving female needs, this platform has also opened doors for suppliers to showcase their products to more consumers,” said Chen Bingchao, Marketing Manager of T-Mall Fast Moving Consumer Goods.
When asked if public restrooms for men would receive a similar digital upgrade, T-Mall said it is a possibility and a virtual mirror for male users might be one of them.
(CGTN)
