Thanks to cutting-edge ‘Window F/X’ technology imported from Europe, Boombox Marketing’s Optiadmedia division has begun transforming storefront windows in downtown Toronto into screen ads for whatever is being sold. Almost like holograms or floating screens, the ads are invisible from inside, but attention grabbers for passersby 24/7, even in bright sunlight.

‘Home builders, for instance, can run virtual tours of the residences they’re selling on the windows of their sales centres even when they’re closed,’ explains Optiadmedia’s Michael Dellios – who adds that touchscreen capabilities allow potential customers to literally window shop whether a store is open or is closed.

So far, Optiadmedia – which not only does the installations, but can develop and update the creative – has applied Window F/X to the storefront of a Mini sales centre on King Street west of Spadina, and is about to do likewise for the Nestings Kids store on Eglinton Avenue near Avenue Road. Negotiations are underway with Nestings Kids’ Vancouver store, as well as with a Hugo Boss outlet in Montreal, and Richmond Hill, Ont. builder Geranium Homes. As well, Labatt may soon be commissioning installations at several bars where its products are served.

Dellios says the new technology is suitable for any company with storefront windows, and customizable in nearly any size or shape ‘up to windows as big as 50 feet by 10 feet.’ It is compatible with flash animation, DVD and live feed video. There is no bulky hardware involved, and the screens do not block sunlight or the visibility of storefront products. For companies with more storefront space than they need to showcase their own wares, Optiamedia will broker revenue-producing deals with other advertisers to turn unused windows into ads.

www.optiadmedia.com