It looks like Pinterest is set to expand beyond its digital domain.
On the 1st of June, the photo bookmarking platform teamed up with Brazil’s largest design furniture store, Tok&Stok, to launch a new initiative that allows users to instantly add items of interest to their Pinterest boards while shopping in-store.
Each item in the store has a large Pinterest pin on it. When pushed, the pin sends a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal to the new PinList app which, in turn, downloads an image and specs of the product and pins it directly to the user’s board. Unlike general bluetooth technology, the BLE devices do not need to be paired with a shopper’s phone, nor does that phone need to be active. As long as it is in standby mode, the phone is able to receive the data and react accordingly.
The concept is explained further in the video below:
https://youtu.be/bhmn2Zp6ttA
Though the technology – created by agency DM9DDB – has been in testing for less than a week at the time of writing, it holds incredible potential for Pinterest, and has the ability to draw those who have transitioned completely to digital shopping back to the retail realm.
It’s a great example of how stores are now trying to replicate the e-commerce experience, even while the reverse continues to find new potential, such as eBay’s recent pairing with Myer to produce a virtual reality department store.
Our only suggest for the system moving forward? Smaller pins. At present, they seem a little overbearing, placed as they are on every single piece of furniture.