Regent Street to introduce iBeacons

London's popular shopping street, Regent Street, is set to become outfitted with new technological gadgets in order

to better connect with its visitors: iBeacons.

The new mobile application uses bluetooth technology to connect with shoppers mobile devices and send discounts, offers and promotions as they walk past stores and restaurants and will be introduced by The Crown Estate on Regent Street. The technological initiative is part of the ongoing 1 billion pounds scheme to modernize Regent Street.

One hundred stores so far have already been equipped with the beacon technology and nearly every store along the mile long street, including Anthropologie, Burberry and Hugo Boss, are expected to install iBeacons in store to send out offers to visitors.

“We want Regent Street to continue to evolve as the world’s most successful shopping destination,” commented David Shaw, head of The Crown Estate’s Regent Street portfolio in a statement. “Which means bringing together online, physical and mobile retailing and using the latest technology to create an experience which delivers across all of the platforms that appeal to 21st century shoppers.”

AutoGraph, a US-based firm has created the mobile application for Regent Street, which will give users the freedom to show their inclination towards certain brands by swiping up for 'like' and down for 'dislike' on their mobile devices after downloading the app from the Apple Store.

After participating in the minute survey, which includes 40 cards showcasing well known brands, AutoGraph creates a unique profile which will determine what offers to set to which customers. “When you pass by a shop that our matching technology says would be of interest to you, it will send information – it could be an offer, some sort of exclusive,” said Arnel Leyva, global head of marketing for AutoGraph, to Re/code.

Retailers around the world have been quick to adapt to the iBeacon technology. US drugstore chain Walgreens previously announced the implementation of iBeacons at Duane Reade, in New York. Other retail chains such as Tesco's, Macy's and American Eagle have also revealed upcoming initiatives with iBeacons.