New Technology Helps Consumers Find Deals While Shopping Online

Now there’s a new way for consumers to save money and compare prices while shopping online. Superfish, Inc. announces the beta release of Window Shopper, a free browser add-on that once downloaded, places a mark next to product images on hundreds of online stores. Click on the mark and Window Shopper opens up, instantly showing deals for that product as well as similar-looking alternatives.

The secret to Window Shopper is its proprietary visual search technology. The application first recognizes the image on the site and then instantly finds and presents visually identical or similar images from its huge index of product offers. Their index includes over 30 million products in almost every product category. Superfish expects to expand their index to over 50 million products in a few months. Read more

The Excitement of the Hunt and the Joy of the Find:

First of its kind retail study by MindLab International reveals that shopping is good for your health

Framingham, MA (May 28, 2008) /PRNewswire/ – A new study reveals that shopping and discovering an unbelievable fashion find produces a euphoric experience greater than sky diving, kissing or eating chocolate — increasing heart rates to 192 beats per minute, more than triple the normal resting heart rate of 60. While it has long been known that many women enjoy shopping—it is something they do willingly and often-now there is evidence that shopping does actually bring physical happiness. The research, conducted by renowned researcher Dr. David Lewis of the MindLab International on behalf of T.J. Maxx, scientifically reveals that finding a bargain is in fact, a euphoric experience that did not occur in women shopping a department, discount and specialty store.

These findings come as a welcome response to the current economic backdrop in our country, particularly for an off-price retailer such as T.J. Maxx. In today’s economy, consumers are looking for ways to stretch their dollars, while not sacrificing their love of designer brand merchandise. This study illustrates that when consumers spend money, they can feel good if they are smarter about their choices. Read more