Virtual bookstore launched
Eason promises a shopping experience like no other through its first mobile store where commuters can buy books by scanning the Quick Response barcode on the book with their smart phone.
The Virtual Book Shop looks similar to the shelves in Eason stores, displaying images of book covers, each of which incorporate a QR code that, when scanned by the customer with their smart phone, will bring them to an online mobile shop where they can purchase the book.
David Field, the group head of marketing and retail development at Eason said the initiative recognised the growing need to expand develop the company’s online retail division.
“While the traditional physical store is still very much at the heart of Eason, we recognise the ever-growing need to further develop our online shopping experience and to create a concept that is not only innovative and a first to the Irish market but that very much demonstrates that we are a contemporary multi-channel retailer.
“To bring the Virtual Book Shop concept to life we’ve put social media at the heart of the solution by deeply integrating with Facebook. Not only can people shop in a totally new way, they can share their experience via Facebook, make recommendations and see what titles their friends have bought which really brings that word-of-mouth marketing to social platforms.”
Also speaking at the launch, author, Cecelia Ahern said: “As an author there is no greater feeling than seeing your book on the shelves. But today seeing my new release One Hundred Names available in Ireland’s first ever Virtual Book Shop — it’s really exciting and I am delighted Eason has invited me to be part of this.”
* The virtual book shop will be situated in Connolly Station until Christmas with plans to bring the mobile shopping experience to other locations throughout the country.
