Abstract: A display shelf for use, for example, in retail stores includes a product-supporting surface and a forwardly positioned display surface extending downwardly and forwardly from the front of the product-supporting surface. A video device with video content is secured to the shelf with the screen of the device visible though an aperture in the display surface and through a second aperture in an advertising sign that covers at least some of the display surface. A proximity sensor is provided to initiate playback of the content stored on the video device when the presence of a customer in the vicinity of the shelf is detected. Control buttons extend through registered openings in the display surface and sign. Each button, when operated, initiates playback of a particular one of the different videos stored on the device. Indicia on the sign adjacent each button provide information about the content of the respective videos.

Abstract: An interactive system and method for shopping is disclosed that separates the shopping process from the buying process. In one embodiment, the system includes an in-store/in-mall computer system and a plurality of handheld scanners configured to scan product information and upload that information to a central database. The system further includes an interactive Web site that is in communication with the database. The system allows a user to scan items for a wish list at participating stores before or after creating an account with the system. The system also allows buyers to easily shop for others by searching for a user's wish list and personal preferences at the system Web site. Furthermore, the system allows the user to select one or more buyers from an address book and notify the selected buyers of a specific wish list via e-mail.