Disney has filed a patent for “smart fixtures supporting visual merchandise designers with remote monitoring, control, and reprogramming.”

The abstract of the permit is as follows:

A merchandise fixture system networking a visual merchandise designer (VIVID) system with a plurality of merchandise fixtures (e.g., shelved structures, vending machines, kiosks, and the like) that are placed in brick and mortar stores and other physical facilities chosen so that consumers can view, use, and interact with the fixtures and the merchandise they are displaying. The merchandise fixtures are “smart” in that they include digital or electronic components that allow them to be monitored, controlled, and reprogrammed remotely using, for example, the VIVID system. The controlling and programming typically include operating a media output assembly that may include visual display devices, speakers, and lighting components, and digital media or content is provided by the VIVID system for use by the media output assembly to create a fixture with visual and audio outputs that attract consumers to the fixture and influence the attracted consumers to interact with and purchase merchandise.

These “smart” merchandise displays will be integrated with digital elements such as lighting, audio, sensors, and more that turn the display into a “canvas for a visual merchandise designer.” Guests will be able to interact with these technologically-advanced merchandise displays in new ways and even purchase merchandise directly from them.

How do you feel about these smart merchandise displays? Let us know in the comments.