In a race to increase sales, attract more consumers and strengthen their competition with giants like Amazon, some stores in Chicago have agreed to install small cameras on the shelves that will allow them to record data such as age, gender and mood, in addition to “predict ” what the comsumer wants to buy.
The initiative is part of the strategic partnerships that are currently appreciated in the world of marketing and new technology. In this case, the cameras seek “to obtain information from the client to be able to transmit them, in real time, advertising posters that are useful or that convince them to buy certain products”.
Consumer purchasing habits are valuable data for companies in all areas: food, clothing, footwear, accessories. And all companies want a large share in profits.
However, the installation of these cameras has raised concern about the issue of privacy. In this regard, Pam Dixon, executive director of World Privacy Forum – a company that defends privacy – has declared that it is a very disturbing situation.
The Kroger company, which has around 2,800 supermarkets, is already testing the cameras on the shelves of two stores outside of Cincinnati and Seattle. “Some screens adhered to the shelves show advertising and discounts.”
For its part, Walgreens, which has more than 8,000 pharmacies, installed cameras and video screens on the doors of its refrigerated beverage area in six locations in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Bellevue, Washington.
M.Pino
Source: Elnuevoherald.com
