RFID Enables A New Way To Shop

By Bob Johns

July 2013 Integrated Solutions For Retailers

MainStreet America, the one-of-a-kind model home “town,” uses NFC (near field communication) and RFID to allow customers to choose their homes’ designs and furnishings.

What do RFID and NFC have to do with home building and interior design? Most of the time the answer to this question would be, “Nothing.” However, these technologies play an important role in Mike Feigin’s vision for an interactive home-themed park. Feigin is the driving force behind the $20 million MainStreet America, a year-round park dubbed “America’s Tour of Homes,” where he is CEO and founder. The park is a unique town setting in Houston, TX, featuring 12 showcase homes, the custom home builder’s offices, a remodeling company, a mortgage company, an architectural firm, furniture store, two restaurants, and various retail stores. Customers can meet with interior designers and DIY instructors, take cooking classes, shop, or just browse. The park employs 145 people, not including subcontractors.