PrevYou has developed and patented a virtual/real retail mechanism, which allows real-time connections between consumers and their friends via mobile and other Internet connected devices. Two potential applications are: 1) consumers could use their mobile camera to upload images to a secure website which friends or family could access, and supply real-time feedback of the product in question. 2) Retail stores could build cameras into changing areas and a shopper could model her outfit for friends or family on a retail branded website.

Another interesting changing room concept is being developed by researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute of Textiles and Clothing: “An intelligent Simulator for Cross-selling & Up-selling using Smart Fitting Room & Smart Dressing Mirror.” RFID technology communicates with a system that can mix and match and suggest clothing options, which would be displayed on an interactive screen. The changing room is utterly important for influencing consumer purchasing, and has enormous untapped potential to do so much more to encourage consumer spending. [via and cool business ideas and ilya vedrashko]