Humble deck chair gets ultra modern makeover… complete with phone charger and screen glare block
Dating back to the 1800s the deck chair has now been given a modern twist which could become a staple on British beaches.
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Solar panels and a battery pack have been added to the new and improved high-tech deck chair which can now keep your electronics topped up.
A drinks holder and a built in fan have also been added to the new design as well as a bespoke horn to scare off greedy seagulls.
PayPal created the modern seaside seat which Brits can visit from August 9 in Brighton.
The construction of the contraption was prompted by research showing one in five Brits shop on their phones or tablets at the beach.
A poll of 2,000 adults found clothes and fashion (37 per cent) are among the top purchases, with food and drink (34 per cent) and gifts for others (24 per cent) also on the cards.
With nearly a fifth (19 per cent) spending between £51-75 when shopping online at the beach, with some spending up to £200.
Phones overheating (43 per cent) and a lack of WiFi (36 per cent) are among the things holding consumers back from a seamless scrolling experience on the beach.
While a lack of shade (31 per cent) and getting sand in the phone charger hole (23 per cent) are other inhibitors.
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.
The UK's best beach bar – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails
'The once simple beach experience is getting a long-overdue upgrade.
'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.'
The research also lifted the lid on all the factors people consider when picking a perfect beach spot, with shade (48 per cent) ranking as the top factor ahead of privacy (40 per cent) and proximity to the bar (36 per cent).
When it comes to beach nostalgia, buckets, spades and sandcastles are among the items 70 per cent associate with childhood trips to the seaside, with arcades and slot machines also featuring (52 per cent).
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Striped deckchairs were cited by 41 per cent, with mini fridges containing snacks (29 per cent), solar panels for charging (21 per cent) and pop-out book holders (25 per cent) among the other creative add-ons people would like to see incorporated in the classic beach staple.
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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