Author Cecelia Ahern helps launch book retailer Eason's virtual bookshop at Connolly Station in Dublin
Book retailer Eason has launched what it deems Ireland’s first-ever virtual mobile bookshop at Connolly Station in Dublin.
From now until Christmas, commuters can buy best-selling books from the virtual shop by scanning the QR codes on the book images with their smartphones, which then brings them to an online mobile shop where they can buy the book.
The virtual store looks like the shelves in a bricks-and-mortar store, displaying images of book covers from best-selling fiction, sport, kids, and food and drink titles that incorporate a QR code. The virtual shop even features a pre-order option.
“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 Irish market but that very much demonstrates that we are a contemporary multi-channel retailer,” said David Field, group head of marketing and retail development, Eason.
Eason’s virtual bookshop has also been integrated with Facebook, so customers can share their purchases and recommendations with their Facebook friends, and also see what titles they bought.
After Christmas, Eason plans to bring the virtual bookshop to other locations throughout Ireland.
