Shoppers stunned by augmented reality storefront

Two North East firms have collaborated to launch one of the first augmented reality storefronts in the country, at intu Metrocentre.

Newcastle’s Independent Events (IE) and Gateshead designers and coders, vector 76, have developed storefront through which a 3D drunk driver smashes, scattering shards of glass across the shopping centre floor.

The store has been mocked up to represent an auto accessories store with shelves filled with road safety messages.

When a shopper holds up their Apple, tablet or android device to the store, the revving of the car’s engine can be heard in the distance, the car comes careering into view then smashes through the window.

The viewer is able to move the device to experience the collision from different positions and viewpoints. This experience aims to highlight the dangers of drink driving to tech savvy 17-25 yr olds.

IE identified the opportunity to employ augmented reality in a more engaging way and deliver better return on investment.

Danae Abadom, Independent Events director said: “We picked on the popularity of wrapping empty storefronts and the Pop up Shop movement with Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and wanted to combine the two to develop the link between AR and retail experiences.”

Gavin Prior, general manager at intu Metrocentre said “This is a great opportunity to showcase the importance of this cause; we have a strong relationship with ‘Young Drivers’ who provide driving lessons for 11-16 year olds and this temporary shop front is a clever way of gaining shoppers attention about the Road Respect campaign.”