Retailers in the United Kingdom may see some radical changes in the ways consumers shop over the next few years, with eBay's U.K. branch proclaiming the sector is "on the cusp of a third wave of technological revolution."

According to a new report from the popular online auction site, interactive television will have the biggest influence on buying habits, with one in four shoppers expected to use this technology to shop by 2014. As Auction Bytes notes, that translates to approximately £750 million ($1.18 billion) worth of retail sales.

The research also suggests augmented reality will play a bigger role in shopping, overlaying digital information on products, spaces and places that consumers will be able to interact with.

"This will range from allowing shoppers to view 3D projections of products that aren't physically present or allowing them to virtually try on clothes," according to eBay UK.

Other currently used technologies, such as NFC payment systems and mobile devices, are expected to have an even bigger presence at retail as well, further driving change to the sector.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Sunday, May 27th, 2012 at 9:49 am .