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Window shopping gets real with eBay's 'shoppable windows'

June 6, 2013

EBay Inc. is launching a solution for storefronts aimed at increasing a retailer's sales — and keeping the commerce flowing even after business hours.

According to a Reuters report, eBay's "shoppable windows" measure 9 feet across and 2 feet high and will appear on the front windows of closed stores. Shoppers can use the massive touchscreens to order items and have them delivered to their doorstep within an hour via courier. Couriers will accept payments through PayPal Here, a mobile payment service developed by eBay.

EBay's "shoppable windows" represent the industry shift to mobile shopping, according to Steve Yankovich, head of the company's Innovation and New Ventures group, which spearheaded the project.

"This extends the boundary of the store. Suddenly the physical store, by virtue of online technology, extends to any space that's interesting to use," Yankovich said in the report.

The first four screens will open from June 8 through July 7 in busy parts of New York City, such as the lower east side and Soho.

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