The incredible potential of smart glass in shopfronts

Smart glass can change from transparent to opaque at the click of a button. Discover some of the ways it can enhance your shopfront in our handy guide.

Thirdly, it's a way to keep your advertising going around the clock. Rather than drawing a shutter over your window displays, you can keep them visible past closing time.

And finally, it can be another weapon in your armoury against theft. It's a form of security glass, obscuring the contents of your store from view.

Advantages of smart glass for shopfronts

There are three main advantages of using smart glass in your shopfront. The first is privacy on demand. The second is reduced maintenance. The third is the branding opportunities it creates.

The concept of privacy on demand is nothing new, of course. It's as old as curtains and blinds. But switchable glass can go from clear to opaque so fast that the human eye doesn't register the transition.

Smart glass, then, can obscure the contents of your shop from view when you're closed for business. But unlike traditional shutters, they can be attractive, eye-catching – and branded.

Indeed, some firms use them primarily as a form of creative marketing. In a crowded market, smart glass can make you stand out.

It's also flexible. You can project a sequence of different adverts onto smart glass or switch up your campaigns with ease. In terms of labour involved, it's practically the opposite of putting up and removing paper posters.

And finally, it's super easy to maintain. Smart glass gathers less dust than curtains, blinds and shutters, meaning low maintenance as well as high impact.

What is rear projection?

If you're dipping your toe into the world of smart glass, you're likely to come across the phrase "rear projection" at some point.

Essentially, digital information is projected from behind onto your smart glass. This means that your shopfront now functions as a display board for presentations, advertising and other content.

As well as being versatile, this use of smart glass is also a cost-effective way of embracing in-situ digital advertising to complement your online efforts.

Retrofitting

Even if you're sold on the benefits of smart glass for your shopfront, you might be wondering whether it can be retrofitted into existing glass. The answer is a resounding yes. Smart film can easily be applied to your glass panels.

Is it energy efficient?

Increasingly, energy efficiency is a priority for installers, project managers and suppliers. Where does smart glass fit into this?

Manufacturers claim that smart glass can improve energy efficiency. This is backed up by the US Inflation Reduction Act. This piece of climate legislation, passed in August 2022, introduced new tax and investment incentives for clean-energy technologies, including a 30% tax credit for smart glass.

The material's benefits have been extolled by Lidl US, which installed it at 200 of its stores. Its communications director William Harwood told Bloomberg that it "saved significant amounts of energy during peak temperatures, and uses less air conditioning". It also has "observable aesthetic benefits". The company plans to install smart glass in British and Spanish stores too.

How much does it cost?

There's no getting around the fact that smart glass is more expensive than other kinds of glass. The precise amount will depend on the exact type of glass, the scale of the installation and any extra features you require.

It's a big investment, but one which has the potential to reap rewards. Not only can it promise ROI in the form of increased custom, but it can also lead to significant energy savings.

Can you control the opacity?

Marketing for smart glass often talks about the speed with which it can switch from transparent to opaque. But it's important to point out that it can also be gradated. Where privacy isn't an issue, a tasteful translucency can be just the thing.

The changing face of changing rooms

It's not just the front of your store that can be improved with smart glass. You can also use it to create a modern-looking changing room, drawing the digital curtains with the push of a button. 

Take, for example, these changing rooms in Perth, Australia.

Research indicates that dressing room lighting can impact sales. When not in use, smart glass changing rooms can add to the roominess of a store, creating a more welcoming environment for shoppers.

As with storefronts, changing rooms can use rear projection technology to turn surfaces into digital display boards. You could project messages about when and how to use the changing rooms, sale offers or design tips. The only limit is your imagination.

It's time to get smart

Smart glass is a versatile, eye-catching way to boost your physical presence on the high street. Once installed, you'll wonder how you ever did without it.

Looking for smart switchable glass for your shopfront? Get in touch with ToughGlaze today or check out our TG Switch range.