News

Westfield, eBay partner to launch digital storefronts in San Francisco

November 20, 2013

Westfield Labs, an entity of the Westfield Group, has unveiled its first partnership pilot with eBay, which it says unites the power of mobile and online shopping with the physical retail world. Westfield Labs and eBay Inc. are introducing three digital storefronts in time for the holiday season. At Westfield San Francisco Centre, people can touch and interact with digital storefronts for Sony, TOMS and Rebecca Minkoff to select and purchase more than 100 products.

Consumers' expectations for brick-and-mortar retail environments have evolved with the ubiquity of mobile and social technology. With this in mind, Westfield Group created Westfield Labs to transform emerging ideas and leverage technologies into new physical retail experiences for the digital consumer. Sony, TOMS and Rebecca Minkoff merchandise are featured in three windows on the fourth floor of Westfield San Francisco Centre from Nov. 20 through Jan. 12.

"At Westfield Labs, we want to define what the future of retail will look like through social, mobile and digital innovations," said Kevin McKenzie, global chief digital officer at Westfield Group. "For our first pilot, we are excited to partner with eBay Inc. and brands that are pushing the boundaries of online and offline retail to showcase new technology that redefines shopping. This is just a window into the types of technologies Westfield Labs will be launching in our international markets to provide people with memorable shopping experiences."

"These brands are existing partners across the eBay Inc. portfolio and we are thrilled to expand their footprint by bringing the best of online technology to the physical world at Westfield," said Steve Yankovich, vice president, innovation and new ventures at eBay. "Our leading edge experiences allow consumers to better engage with brands this holiday season in a seamless and personal way."

Westfield San Francisco Centre visitors can walk up to each digital storefront window, touch the glass and begin shopping. After shoppers select items, they can proceed to checkout by pushing the order to their mobile phone and pay securely with PayPal, including guest checkout with credit or debit card. Delivery options include free home delivery or pick-up at the Sony Gallery located on the third level.

Each retailer has a personalized digital shopping experience. Sony offers a curated assortment of its hottest electronics gifts for the holidays, and is showcasing technology innovation by powering all three digital storefronts. TOMS offers a selection of shoes and eyewear from its latest holiday collection, along with products from its newly launched TOMS Marketplace. Women's fashion and accessories designer Rebecca Minkoff offers statement-making handbags and accessories.

"Sony is excited to bring our fans and shoppers a convenient, hassle-free way to buy gifts this holiday season," said Megan Farrell Ragsdale, director of guest experience, Sony Stores. "Plus, using Sony projection hardware for all three retail experiences gives us a wonderful opportunity to play a lead role in defining the future of retail shopping." 

"We are pleased to participate in this new shopping experience with eBay Inc. and Westfield Labs," said Blake Mycoskie, founder and chief shoe-giver at TOMS. "We look forward to not only introducing our latest products, but highlighting other gifts that give back from other companies who are using business to improve lives."

"We are honored to be a part of eBay Inc. and Westfield Lab's digital storefront initiative and pioneer a new way to unite fashion and technology," said Uri Minkoff, CEO at Rebecca Minkoff. "It's a groundbreaking opportunity to enhance and tailor the shopping experience for our customer in the digital age."

The digital storefronts are open now at the Westfield San Francisco Centre on 865 Market Street.

Read more about store design and layout.