Window shoppers in Freeport, Maine, can buy the products they see without entering the store, using technology from local ecommerce company iBec Creative.

Becky McKinnell, owner and president of iBec Creative, will create product displays in storefront windows in Freeport Village Station shopping centre and adjacent buildings on Main Street. Shoppers use their mobile phone to scan the QR code of goods on display to buy them and have them shipped.

“Reaching the consumer on their own schedule and wherever they have time to engage has become the way forward in this challenging new environment,” said McKinnell. “Thanks to the iBec Creative’s Maine Gift Guide window displays, window shopping has been transformed from a nostalgic holiday concept into the perfect way to connect and purchase products that will be shipped directly to the customer. Customers now have the opportunity to connect and purchase the products in the window display by using their smart phones to capture the QR code, and there’s even a digital coupon for free shipping.”

Al Yebba, owner of Freeport Village Station, recognised an opportunity to increase the use of the recently upgraded free high-speed wifi internet service added for the convenience of shoppers and retailers.

He said the programme targeted both consumers and Maine-based retailers and artisans who can now have a genuine brick-and-mortar location to augment their ecommerce business.

“We recognised that this was not only a new way to interact with our customers, but also to connect digital retailers with access to our customers with only a minimum investment,” said Yebba. “We hope to be able to use these displays as an incubator to build and maintain a waiting list of businesses ready to open new stores. Freeport Village Station can be their entry point to becoming omnichannel retailers.”

Freeport Village Station is in the heart of downtown Freeport, Maine. Outlet stores now open include LL Bean Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Brooks Brothers, Carter’s Babies & Kids, Oshkosh b’Gosh, Corningware Corelle & More, Lindt Chocolate, Van Heusen, Izod, Coach Factory, Oakley Vault, Sunglass Hut, Francesca’s Outlet, Kay Jewelers Outlet, Talbots Outlet, Famous Footwear Outlet, Claire’s, AT&T and Old Navy Outlet.