Check yourself out with Tweet Mirror

Twitter has been integrated into various start-up ideas, including books, and now the micro-blogging site has been utilised as a shopping aid.

The Tweet Mirror, developed by Dutch firm Nedap Retail, uses a high definition camera to take images of shoppers trying on outfits. They can then study the photos themselves or tweet the post on Facebook for friends to offer a second opinion.

“Tweet Mirror is a fun tool that combines shopping with the most modern communication trend: social networking,” the company says.

Nedap Retail says customers are not the only ones who will benefit from Tweet Mirror.

“The strategic benefit is significant: brand exposure beyond your wildest dreams. Every time a customer posts a photo, your company logo and items from your collection are beamed across the world,” it says.

“You can add a personal message or promote your latest collection. What better way to spread the word about your brand?”

Earlier this year, the Tweet Mirror won a retail technology prize for enhancing customer involvement and satisfaction, and is already being used in several clothing stores across Europe.

Any gadget that can incorporate social media into the shopping experience is bound to do well, particularly if there are benefits for both the consumer and the retailer. What other ideas might embody this concept?