Beach deckchair gets 21st century makeover - and it makes one thing easier
The classic deckchair, a staple of British beach holidays since the late 1800s, has been given a 21st-century upgrade to cater for today's modern sunbathers - complete with phone charger and screen glare block. This high-tech prototype, designed by Paypal, includes solar panels and a battery pack to keep your gadgets juiced up.
The new design also includes a drinks holder, a built-in fan, and even a bespoke horn to scare off pesky seagulls. The redesign comes after research revealed that one in five Brits can't resist a spot of online shopping while soaking up the rays on the beach.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that clothes and fashion items are the most popular purchases, with nearly a fifth splashing out between £51-75 during their beach-based browsing sessions - and some even spending up to £200.
However, it seems there are still a few obstacles preventing beachgoers from enjoying a seamless scrolling experience - including phones overheating, patchy WiFi, lack of shade, and sand getting into the phone charger hole.
Consumer behaviour and retail expert Dr. Amna Khan, speaking in partnership with the brand, said: 'Smartphones have transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, from how we navigate our cars to how we manage our health and shop for essentials."
'This digital shift has made shopping anytime, anywhere second nature – even on the beach, positioning it as the next frontier for a tech refresh," Dr Amna added.
'With tech-enhanced deckchairs featuring innovations like built-in glare-blocking screens, beachgoers can now seamlessly blend relaxation with connectivity, reflecting the evolving expectations of today's digital-first lifestyles."
Brits can visit the new deckchair from the 9th August in Brighton.
Dave Jones, head of consumer from PayPal, which has introduced a three per cent cashback incentive to help people put money back in their pockets, added: "We can see from our research that more and more people are bringing their phones to the beach, and their shopping habits too.
"That's why we've reimagined the classic deckchair with a modern twist, making it easier to stay connected and even earn cashback while soaking up the sun."
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