The Next Big Thing In Shopping

A new type of store combining the convenience of online ordering with the hands-on experience of browsing a store in person is planned for Columbus, OH.

1 minute read

June 2, 2005, 10:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


Sometime near the end of 2006, something called the “Epicenter” is scheduled to open at the Polaris Mall in Columbus, Ohio. The nucleus of Epicenter will consist of two parts: the Buypod, a hand-held electronic device, and electronic kiosks located throughout the mall. Under the concept, customers will enter the mall and register their credit-card information, which will then be put into their Buypods. As customers browse merchandise, they can use their Buypod -- which, as the name suggests, looks something like an Apple iPod -- to scan the labels of items they want to buy. Although there will be a small number of items available to take home, most orders will be sent directly to the warehouse, where they will be filled and shipped. The electronic kiosks will print receipts and be used to cancel orders, if needed. If the Columbus experiment is successful Epicenter could begin to expand across the United States.

Thanks to Dan Malouff

Tuesday, May 31, 2005 in Akron Beacon Journal

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Busy subway station with people walking on platform and train stopped.

Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future

This Union of Concerned Scientists study examines why and how to improve resource-efficient travel options to achieve diverse goals. It estimates that more efficient transport could save up to $201 billion in energy and $128 billion in health costs.

45 minutes ago - Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future

Aerial view of small town of Sparta, Wisconsin.

Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program

The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.

December 8 - The Daily Yonder

Chicago sidewalk with brick homes in winter.

Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program

Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.

December 8 - Block Club Chicago

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.