Twentieth Century Fox has announced the launch of its new “virtual store” which will use QR codes and other mobile techniques in order to sell movies to UK consumers through the use of their smartphones.
The marketing campaign for the virtual store includes bus shelter ads in large cities which feature QR codes alongside the movie titles that are available for purchase in the virtual store. When a smartphone user scans the 2 dimensional code, it launches the HMV retail page specific to the movie product associated with the code.
This will give the customer the opportunity to purchase the movie in either DVD or Blu-ray disc, which will then be shipped to the user’s address. Their purchase will then arrive at their door within the following days.
Fox has called this video store QR code campaign a pilot program. If it is found to be successful in the current cities, then it will also be launched in other large cities in nations around the globe.
Among the products first being released for sale through this technique are “X-Men First Class,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” “Rio,” “Home Alone Collection,” “Star Wars The Complete Saga,” “Alien Anthology,” “Family Guy Season 11,” “Glee Season Two,” and “24: The Complete Series.”
Managing director Robert Price, from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment said that “We’re entering the busiest gifting season of the year when consumers are stretched for time and on the go with their mobile phone in hand.”
