Advances in retail technology are spreading far beyond the United States and Western Europe — into such regions as South America.

Recently, JWT Intelligence did research on Brazil and came to these conclusions: “Smart stores are coming to Brazil. In 2011, Australian surf brand Billabong outfitted inventory at a store in the city of Barueri with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, which transmit data through electromagnetic waves. The tags help the retailer run the store more efficiently—for example, they provide real-time inventory data and can help prevent theft, working in tandem with cameras at exits—but also change the experience for customers. Holding a tag up to a RFID antenna triggers the display of more information about the item on an iPad. In fitting rooms, an antenna reads tags on garments, then a touch screen on the mirror provides information on other colors and sizes in stock and suggests complementary items. The touch screen also lets shoppers text a salesperson to request different items and, using the interactive mirror, to email pictures of themselves wearing the items or post them to a social network.”

Click the photo for the full JWT Intelligence article.