A) TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001]The present invention generally relates to the field of electronic systems for use in a shopping environment. More particularly the invention relates to incentivizing interaction between marketing and various types of target groups.
B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
PATENT LITERATURE
[002]US 20120239512 relates to mobile proximity based retail marketing system, method, device, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for providing an incentive to a user of a device to monitor information visibly displayed on a display of the device are provided. A physical relationship between the device that includes the display that displays the information and the user is monitored while the information is displayed on the display. A reward that is based on the physical relationship that is monitored between the device and the user is displayed on the display of the device.
[003] US 20080040219 relates to proximity-based wireless advertising system which includes a personal dedicated wireless electronics device that has display and alerting features. A wireless transceiver interacting with a web application over the internet or local area network can deliver marketing messages to the personal electronics device when a person carrying the device is at a location within the range of the wireless transceiver unit's signal. Advertising messages are delivered based on both the retailers' and customers' preferences. Retailers and advertisers can choose advertising preferences for their consumers by using a web application user interface. Software is provided that integrates with the retailer's point of sale software to electronically process any relevant coupons.
[004] US 20060136303 relates to a shopping environment including detection of unpaid items in proximity to an exit that includes a server and a shopping device for broadcasting a wireless signal that identifies the identity of a shopper associated with the device. A network infrastructure conveys the wireless signal information to the server. A verification system is configured to detect the shopping device being in proximity to an exit of the shopping environment and to initiate precautionary action in response thereto. The shopping device may be enabled to permit the user to indicate purchase of an item and, responsive thereto, to communicate a purchase to the server as part of maintaining a virtual shopping cart of items selected for purchase by the shopper. The verification apparatus initiates the precautionary action if the shopper has not made payment arrangements. The verification apparatus is further enabled to display the number of items in the virtual shopping cart and the amount of time spent on the shopping trip.
[005] US 20120109769 relates to a method of proximity based purchasing and selling, and system thereof wherein the method includes the steps of determining a geographical location of a plurality of buyers, determining a product/service desired by at least a portion of the plurality of buyers, and grouping buyers by the determined geographical location and the desired

product/service, such that a seller provides the product/service at a discounted rate as a result of the grouped buyers being in a geographical region and wanting a similar product/service.
[006] US 20130060627 relates to a proximity-dependent shopping offer. This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling a proximity-dependent shopping offer. In some embodiments, the techniques determine, based on information about a user of a mobile device, that the user is likely to be interested in a particular product. The techniques may also determine that the user is conveniently near to a store at which to purchase the product. By so doing, the techniques enable stores to target offers to a person that is likely to be interested in visiting the store.
[007] WO 2005006145 relates to a system and method for providing proximity based services using automatic search, discovery and match-making inventions and processes. In a series of real time automated iterative interactions, the system allows automated determination of a level of trust between users and provides a number of user configurable options such as automated referral to a third party. It thus addresses a key user concern of safety and security of such computer assisted communications. It also provides an automated method of initiating real-time communications via available established methods by establishing automatic partnering links with 3rd party service providers. In addition, using freely available series such as GPS, the user's location may be determined for an actual meeting dependent on the users configurable parameters. The system allows for the management and storage of past and present matches and virtual meetings thus providing a knowledge database. This facility is particularly important if an instant or real-time meeting is not initially sought but communications could take place at a later date.
NON-PATENT LITERATURE
[008] Pincarts launched India’s First Personalised Proximity-Based Shopping Platform in Mumbai as reported by Telegraph on Jan 19, 2017. It aims to provide proximity driven personalized shopping experience for its customers and enables brands and malls to monetize the advanced location and analytics technologies with its cloud platform.
[009] Montreal-based Thirdshelf’s execution blends information across both digital displays and real-time customer service dashboards. Responsive digital displays placed throughout the store communicate with each shopper’s mobile phone, customizing the display as the shopper approaches, which makes it easier for shoppers to access relevant and personalized content.
[010] Some examples of proximity-based deal-finding apps available to consumers right now.
[011] - Notify Nearby: The company’s mobile app provides shoppers with information about brands based on their real-time locations and noted preferences. Notify Nearby differentiates itself from competitors by only sending consumers deals and content from companies they’ve chosen to “follow,” which means users won’t receive unsolicited coupons from retailers they don’t like.

[012] - ShopAdvisor:ShopAdvisor specializes in creating multi-channel mobile shopping platforms for retail brands and media companies, with a mobile app that consumers can download to receive relevant offers on their smartphones. Using beacons and data analytics, filtered by shopper preferences, ShopAdvisor sends personalized alerts to consumers based on their physical locations. For example, a consumer’s phone might ping with a limited-time coupon when she’s in front of a participating retailer, encouraging her to go inside and make a purchase.
[013] - Shopular: Shopular pushes relevant deals to its users’ smartphones. Consumers who’ve downloaded the mobile app are prompted to select their favorite retailers and choose which types of deals they’d like to receive. Shopular then sends geo-fenced alerts when deals that fit the selected criteria are available nearby. Shopular uses a “set it and forget it” model, which means consumers can find coupons to use without having to search by store or location.
[014] - SnipSnap: Consumers who’ve downloaded the app can take photos of printed coupons from retailers and restaurants, and SnipSnap will recognize the content and convert the coupons to mobile. The app then sends users push notifications when they’re arrived at a store they have deals saved for, or when they have a coupon that’s about to expire. Marketers can also upload their own coupons directly into the platform and target those offers based on keyword, category, or location-based criteria. SnipSnap doesn’t support manufacturer coupons.
[015] - RetailMeNot: In addition to finding and saving coupons from retailers and brands, shoppers who’ve downloaded the RetailMeNot mobile app can elect to receive push notifications when there are deals nearby their current locations. Users can also manually enter the location where they plan to shop—for example, a nearby mall—to pull up all relevant coupons before they leave home.
[016] However, it would be desirable to implement a shopping system that addresses the issue of minimal usage of debit card and/ or credit card, offline inventory facility with minimal additional cost.
[017] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, as detailed below.
C) OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[019] The primary object of the embodiments herein is to providea proximity based multilingual shopping system having the convenience of online browsing, online purchase and offline purchase.
[020] Another object of the embodiments herein is to initiate a real-time communication via available established methods by establishing automatic partnering links with 3rd party service providers. Using freely available series such as GPS, the user's location may be determined for

locating the nearest shop and an actual meeting dependent on the user. The system allows for the management and storage of past and present matches and both virtual and real meetings thus providing a knowledge database.
[021] These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments herein shall become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
D) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[022] Figure 1 is an example presentation of the system.
[023] Figure 2 sets forth a snapshot of the system.
E) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[024] The present invention provides an enhanced social experience coupled to an virtual shopping mall which creates an apparent geographical coupling between management servers comprising various third party traders and target users. The user may configure nearest location and language preference. The system allows the users to communicate with the individual trader and also allows the user to move to the traders location in person. When both the user and the trader are at the same position, the user is presented with the same product information or images as seen online.
F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[025] The invention is a proximity based multilingual shopping system having the convenience of online browsing, online purchase and offline purchase. wherein the system comprises of: means to provide a secure element coupled to the device that has a visual display, a processer, a communication channel which supports voice and data interactions; means for exchanging data between the device and a management server wherein the user has provision to set proximal search distance and product category; means for selecting language; means to display customized information at the device received from the management server wherein the management server retrieves customer information associated with target groups; means for distributing the user a personalized offer for outlet visit.
[026] In another embodiment, the management server co-relates all close by retail outlets (based on cardinal points) from the location of the user.
[027] In another embodiment, the target groups are bonafide shoppers with intent to purchase specific products that meet their immediate or deferred usage requirements.

[028] In another embodiment, the target groups are youth, working professionals, homemakers, elder citizens etc.
[029] In another embodiment, the target groups are interested group of retailers who have not created their own e-commerce forum, first time small retailers and traditional retailers.
[030] In another embodiment, the target groups are from urban, semi-urban and rural areas so that such areas become digital platforms with minimal set-up costs.
[031] In another embodiment, the customized information is a definite product category, specific product within the definite category, price specific to the product and variant, advertisement, logo, notification provided directly from retailers to shoppers.
[032] In another embodiment, the effective range of the proximal search distance is the nearest outlet from the location of the search, with proximal distance as specified by the customer or user.
[033] In another embodiment, the system is a customized mobile application running on a mobile device of a user, with an option for offline shopping wherein order and delivery is through simple SMS.
[034] In another embodiment, the system is a customized computer application running on the computer of a vendor with POS option which helps retailers to maintain their inventory.
[035] In another embodiment, the system provides for better platform for local retailers wherein the sellers directly sell and deliver the products immediately as per customers need.
[036] In another embodiment, the system provides the retailer the flexibility to offer direct and better terms of trade to individual customers as also customize appropriate service and support bundles to the transaction, so to get a higher sales conversion.
[037] The The present proximity shopping system is provided preferably as an application program executable by a web browser device, such as a personal computer, or a suitably equipped mobile device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), web-enabled wireless telephone, handheld personal computer, or other Internet appliance.
[038] The browser device includes a CPU or microprocessor, system memory such as RAM and ROM, and a set of user interface devices including a graphical display such as a color LCD panel. Other user interface devices commonly provided on browser devices include a touch¬screen input, keyboard, pointing device, speakers, microphone and camera.
[039] A suitable communications network interface, such as a dial-up modem, wireless modem, or Infra Red communications port (IRDa), to a communications network, such as the Internet, a telephone network or a wireless network, is also preferably provided in the browser device. Other application programs may be installed by downloading from a communications network

server, or by installation from a memory device such as a FlashROM card, PCMCIA card, floppy disk or Compact Disk drive.
[040] While the computing platform has been selected as an example, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that realization of the invention on any other suitable platform may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[041] The present proximity shopping system includes a networking infrastructure that enables the shopping devices to communicate with the management server. The present proximity shopping system is arranged to facilitate electronic monitoring of the user (shopper) during their respective shopping experiences. The first shopper having just entered the electronic virtual store. The said store is designed to enable the user (shopper) to obtain a shopping cart and shopping device combination (shopping device) immediately upon entering the store.
[042] Each shopping device associates with its corresponding user when the user logs in the shopping device. The shopping device includes a controller or other form of microprocessor that has access to a storage facility. The management server maintains data relevant to stores, an inventory of items in stock as well as a customer database that may include information such as contact information for its customers, the historical purchases of those customers, and customer-provided profile or preference information.
[043] When a shopper makes payment arrangements for the items in his/her shopping cart, a communication is sent to the management server. The payment can be made with or without the usage of debit card and/ or credit card. In cases where payment is made through debit card and/ or credit card, the communication may be sent from shopping device to server via one of the wireless access points. In other cases where a shopper makes payment arrangements in traditional manner, the communication to the server may originate from the cash register.
[044] Various stores and/ or retailers and/or merchants may register with the present proximity shopping system. This simulates the social experience of meeting someone for the first time in a retail establishment based upon obvious mutual interests.As such, the retailers and/or merchants are able to provide custom marketing and/or advertising information to the user when the corresponding identifying code is received by the user's device. The virtual shopping cart may be maintained on shopping device itself or on the particular store server. The virtual shopping cart may be updated dynamically through the use of shopping device. Additionally, or alternatively, the marketing material may be displayed within the shopping list proximate to the location of the user.
[045] The present proximity shopping system additionally provides a user (shopper) an incentive to physically visit the store of the user’s choice. The present proximity shopping system also provides a user (shopper) to select a language of the user’s choice from the list of languages provided in the system.
[046] The present proximity shopping system is a multilingual service available as an application and/ or mobile Site and/ or website. The present system will enumerate and catalogue all retailers in a city across 13 broad categories.Each retail outlet will be geo-tagged (lat/long) and a list of 20

of their fast moving products showcased. A customer will have the opportunity to set the proximal search distance and enter a product category. Thereafter they could either visit the outlet for a physical sale closure or alternatively purchase online.
[047] Shopping is the focal point for every individual; it can be either local or online. Recently online shopping blew away the entire market. Online shopping gave visibility and gave competitive pricing which enabled a lot of vendors of have a hand on the market. Online market is slowly fading away with a lot of quality issues. India is the country with maximum entrepreneurs, as every shopkeeper is an entrepreneur. By the present shopping system the time where every entrepreneur can give a visibility of his top selling products.
[048] Being multilingual, the present shopping system bring larger numbers of “first timers” online.Given that a large part of the educated youth and working class migrate for jobs, they will be able to access services and products in their vicinity, as also move and settle in areas more confidently. There will be greater confidence to engage with local vendors as the vendors will be empaneled post checks as also there would be information on them. Further, given the option of directly visiting and paying at the outlet, will lead to faster and higher sales conversions than the measly 9% online today. As women are the biggest influencers on purchases, they will be more comfortable with a portal which offers a WYSIWYG model, particularly in areas of fashion, electronics and personal products.
[049] While tele-density and call penetrations are high across the entire Indian sub-continent, large parts of rural and central India are still in the process of coming into e-commerce. A primary prognosis is that probably higher levels of illiteracy as also lack of English usage abilities is a big hurdle in these markets. Equally the inventors have discovered that several e-commerce companies are not able to reach into these markets due to poor logistics or too expensive logistics cycles.
[050] Those skilled in the field of the present invention will recognize that this disclosure would enable one to make or use an electronically based shopping environment. It is understood that the form of the invention shown and described in the detailed description and the drawings are to be taken merely as presently preferred examples. The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Claims:1. A proximity based multilingual shopping system having the convenience of online browsing, online purchase and offline purchase.
Wherein the system comprises of:
Means to provide a secure element coupled to the device that has a visual display, a first processer, a first communication channel which supports voice and data interactions;
Means for exchanging data between the device and a management server wherein the user has provision to set proximal search distance and product category;
Means for selecting language;
Means to display customized information at the device received from the management server wherein the management server retrieves customer information associated with target groups;
Means for distributing the user a personalized offer for outlet visit.

2. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the management server co-relates all close by retail outlets (based on cardinal points) from the location of the user.

3. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the target groups are bonafide shoppers with intent to purchase specific products that meet their immediate or deferred usage requirements.

4. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the target groups are youth, working professionals, homemakers, elder citizens etc.

5. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claims 3 and 4 wherein the target groups are interested group of retailers who have not created their own e-commerce forum, first time small retailers and traditional retailers.

6. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claims 3 to 5 wherein the target groups are from urban, semi-urban and rural areas so that such areas become digital platforms with minimal set-up costs.

7. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the customized information is a definite product category, specific product within the definite category, price specific to the product and variant, advertisement, logo, notification provided directly from retailers to shoppers.

8. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the effective range of the proximal search distance is the nearest outlet from the location of the search, with proximal distance as specified by the customer or user.

9. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the system is a customized mobile application running on a mobile device of a user, with an option for offline shopping wherein order and delivery is through simple SMS.

10. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the system is a customized computer application running on the computer of a vendor with POS option which helps retailers to maintain their inventory.

11. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the system provides for better platform for local retailers wherein the sellers directly sell and deliver the products immediately as per customers need.

12. A proximity based multilingual shopping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system provides the retailer the flexibility to offer direct and better terms of trade to individual customers as also customize appropriate service and support bundles to the transaction, so to get a higher sales conversion.
, Description:[001]The present invention generally relates to the field of electronic systems for use in a shopping environment. More particularly the invention relates to incentivizing interaction between marketing and various types of target groups.

B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
PATENT LITERATURE
[002]US 20120239512 relates to mobile proximity based retail marketing system, method, device, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for providing an incentive to a user of a device to monitor information visibly displayed on a display of the device are provided. A physical relationship between the device that includes the display that displays the information and the user is monitored while the information is displayed on the display. A reward that is based on the physical relationship that is monitored between the device and the user is displayed on the display of the device.

[003] US 20080040219 relates to proximity-based wireless advertising system which includes a personal dedicated wireless electronics device that has display and alerting features. A wireless transceiver interacting with a web application over the internet or local area network can deliver marketing messages to the personal electronics device when a person carrying the device is at a location within the range of the wireless transceiver unit's signal. Advertising messages are delivered based on both the retailers' and customers' preferences. Retailers and advertisers can choose advertising preferences for their consumers by using a web application user interface. Software is provided that integrates with the retailer's point of sale software to electronically process any relevant coupons.

[004] US 20060136303 relates to a shopping environment including detection of unpaid items in proximity to an exit that includes a server and a shopping device for broadcasting a wireless signal that identifies the identity of a shopper associated with the device. A network infrastructure conveys the wireless signal information to the server. A verification system is configured to detect the shopping device being in proximity to an exit of the shopping environment and to initiate precautionary action in response thereto. The shopping device may be enabled to permit the user to indicate purchase of an item and, responsive thereto, to communicate a purchase to the server as part of maintaining a virtual shopping cart of items selected for purchase by the shopper. The verification apparatus initiates the precautionary action if the shopper has not made payment arrangements. The verification apparatus is further enabled to display the number of items in the virtual shopping cart and the amount of time spent on the shopping trip.

[005] US 20120109769 relates to a method of proximity based purchasing and selling, and system thereof wherein the method includes the steps of determining a geographical location of a plurality of buyers, determining a product/service desired by at least a portion of the plurality of buyers, and grouping buyers by the determined geographical location and the desired product/service, such that a seller provides the product/service at a discounted rate as a result of the grouped buyers being in a geographical region and wanting a similar product/service.

[006] US 20130060627 relates to a proximity-dependent shopping offer. This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling a proximity-dependent shopping offer. In some embodiments, the techniques determine, based on information about a user of a mobile device, that the user is likely to be interested in a particular product. The techniques may also determine that the user is conveniently near to a store at which to purchase the product. By so doing, the techniques enable stores to target offers to a person that is likely to be interested in visiting the store.

[007] WO 2005006145 relates to a system and method for providing proximity based services using automatic search, discovery and match-making inventions and processes. In a series of real time automated iterative interactions, the system allows automated determination of a level of trust between users and provides a number of user configurable options such as automated referral to a third party. It thus addresses a key user concern of safety and security of such computer assisted communications. It also provides an automated method of initiating real-time communications via available established methods by establishing automatic partnering links with 3rd party service providers. In addition, using freely available series such as GPS, the user's location may be determined for an actual meeting dependent on the users configurable parameters. The system allows for the management and storage of past and present matches and virtual meetings thus providing a knowledge database. This facility is particularly important if an instant or real-time meeting is not initially sought but communications could take place at a later date.

NON-PATENT LITERATURE
[008] Pincarts launched India’s First Personalised Proximity-Based Shopping Platform in Mumbai as reported by Telegraph on Jan 19, 2017. It aims to provide proximity driven personalized shopping experience for its customers and enables brands and malls to monetize the advanced location and analytics technologies with its cloud platform.
[009] Montreal-based Thirdshelf’s execution blends information across both digital displays and real-time customer service dashboards. Responsive digital displays placed throughout the store communicate with each shopper’s mobile phone, customizing the display as the shopper approaches, which makes it easier for shoppers to access relevant and personalized content.
[010] Some examples of proximity-based deal-finding apps available to consumers right now.
[011] - Notify Nearby: The company’s mobile app provides shoppers with information about brands based on their real-time locations and noted preferences. Notify Nearby differentiates itself from competitors by only sending consumers deals and content from companies they’ve chosen to “follow,” which means users won’t receive unsolicited coupons from retailers they don’t like.
[012] - ShopAdvisor:ShopAdvisor specializes in creating multi-channel mobile shopping platforms for retail brands and media companies, with a mobile app that consumers can download to receive relevant offers on their smartphones. Using beacons and data analytics, filtered by shopper preferences, ShopAdvisor sends personalized alerts to consumers based on their physical locations. For example, a consumer’s phone might ping with a limited-time coupon when she’s in front of a participating retailer, encouraging her to go inside and make a purchase.
[013] - Shopular: Shopular pushes relevant deals to its users’ smartphones. Consumers who’ve downloaded the mobile app are prompted to select their favorite retailers and choose which types of deals they’d like to receive. Shopular then sends geo-fenced alerts when deals that fit the selected criteria are available nearby. Shopular uses a “set it and forget it” model, which means consumers can find coupons to use without having to search by store or location.
[014] - SnipSnap: Consumers who’ve downloaded the app can take photos of printed coupons from retailers and restaurants, and SnipSnap will recognize the content and convert the coupons to mobile. The app then sends users push notifications when they’re arrived at a store they have deals saved for, or when they have a coupon that’s about to expire. Marketers can also upload their own coupons directly into the platform and target those offers based on keyword, category, or location-based criteria. SnipSnap doesn’t support manufacturer coupons.
[015] - RetailMeNot: In addition to finding and saving coupons from retailers and brands, shoppers who’ve downloaded the RetailMeNot mobile app can elect to receive push notifications when there are deals nearby their current locations. Users can also manually enter the location where they plan to shop—for example, a nearby mall—to pull up all relevant coupons before they leave home.
[016] However, it would be desirable to implement a shopping system that addresses the issue of minimal usage of debit card and/ or credit card, offline inventory facility with minimal additional cost.
[017] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, as detailed below.
C) OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[019] The primary object of the embodiments herein is to providea proximity based multilingual shopping system having the convenience of online browsing, online purchase and offline purchase.
[020] Another object of the embodiments herein is to initiate a real-time communication via available established methods by establishing automatic partnering links with 3rd party service providers. Using freely available series such as GPS, the user's location may be determined for locating the nearest shop and an actual meeting dependent on the user. The system allows for the management and storage of past and present matches and both virtual and real meetings thus providing a knowledge database.
[021] These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments herein shall become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
D) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[022] Figure 1 is an example presentation of the system.
[023] Figure 2 sets forth a snapshot of the system.
E) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[024] The present invention provides an enhanced social experience coupled to an virtual shopping mall which creates an apparent geographical coupling between management servers comprising various third party traders and target users. The user may configure nearest location and language preference. The system allows the users to communicate with the individual trader and also allows the user to move to the traders location in person. When both the user and the trader are at the same position, the user is presented with the same product information or images as seen online.
F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[025] The invention is a proximity based multilingual shopping system having the convenience of online browsing, online purchase and offline purchase. wherein the system comprises of: means to provide a secure element coupled to the device that has a visual display, a processer, a communication channel which supports voice and data interactions; means for exchanging data between the device and a management server wherein the user has provision to set proximal search distance and product category; means for selecting language; means to display customized information at the device received from the management server wherein the management server retrieves customer information associated with target groups; means for distributing the user a personalized offer for outlet visit.
[026] In another embodiment, the management server co-relates all close by retail outlets (based on cardinal points) from the location of the user.
[027] In another embodiment, the target groups are bonafide shoppers with intent to purchase specific products that meet their immediate or deferred usage requirements.
[028] In another embodiment, the target groups are youth, working professionals, homemakers, elder citizens etc.
[029] In another embodiment, the target groups are interested group of retailers who have not created their own e-commerce forum, first time small retailers and traditional retailers.
[030] In another embodiment, the target groups are from urban, semi-urban and rural areas so that such areas become digital platforms with minimal set-up costs.
[031] In another embodiment, the customized information is a definite product category, specific product within the definite category, price specific to the product and variant, advertisement, logo, notification provided directly from retailers to shoppers.
[032] In another embodiment, the effective range of the proximal search distance is the nearest outlet from the location of the search, with proximal distance as specified by the customer or user.
[033] In another embodiment, the system is a customized mobile application running on a mobile device of a user, with an option for offline shopping wherein order and delivery is through simple SMS.
[034] In another embodiment, the system is a customized computer application running on the computer of a vendor with POS option which helps retailers to maintain their inventory.
[035] In another embodiment, the system provides for better platform for local retailers wherein the sellers directly sell and deliver the products immediately as per customers need.
[036] In another embodiment, the system provides the retailer the flexibility to offer direct and better terms of trade to individual customers as also customize appropriate service and support bundles to the transaction, so to get a higher sales conversion.
[037] The The present proximity shopping system is provided preferably as an application program executable by a web browser device, such as a personal computer, or a suitably equipped mobile device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), web-enabled wireless telephone, handheld personal computer, or other Internet appliance.
[038] The browser device includes a CPU or microprocessor, system memory such as RAM and ROM, and a set of user interface devices including a graphical display such as a color LCD panel. Other user interface devices commonly provided on browser devices include a touch-screen input, keyboard, pointing device, speakers, microphone and camera.
[039] A suitable communications network interface, such as a dial-up modem, wireless modem, or Infra Red communications port (IRDa), to a communications network, such as the Internet, a telephone network or a wireless network, is also preferably provided in the browser device. Other application programs may be installed by downloading from a communications network server, or by installation from a memory device such as a FlashROM card, PCMCIA card, floppy disk or Compact Disk drive.
[040] While the computing platform has been selected as an example, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that realization of the invention on any other suitable platform may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[041] The present proximity shopping system includes a networking infrastructure that enables the shopping devices to communicate with the management server. The present proximity shopping system is arranged to facilitate electronic monitoring of the user (shopper) during their respective shopping experiences. The first shopper having just entered the electronic virtual store. The said store is designed to enable the user (shopper) to obtain a shopping cart and shopping device combination (shopping device) immediately upon entering the store.
[042] Each shopping device associates with its corresponding user when the user logs in the shopping device. The shopping device includes a controller or other form of microprocessor that has access to a storage facility. The management server maintains data relevant to stores, an inventory of items in stock as well as a customer database that may include information such as contact information for its customers, the historical purchases of those customers, and customer-provided profile or preference information.
[043] When a shopper makes payment arrangements for the items in his/her shopping cart, a communication is sent to the management server. The payment can be made with or without the usage of debit card and/ or credit card. In cases where payment is made through debit card and/ or credit card, the communication may be sent from shopping device to server via one of the wireless access points. In other cases where a shopper makes payment arrangements in traditional manner, the communication to the server may originate from the cash register.
[044] Various stores and/ or retailers and/or merchants may register with the present proximity shopping system. This simulates the social experience of meeting someone for the first time in a retail establishment based upon obvious mutual interests.As such, the retailers and/or merchants are able to provide custom marketing and/or advertising information to the user when the corresponding identifying code is received by the user's device. The virtual shopping cart may be maintained on shopping device itself or on the particular store server. The virtual shopping cart may be updated dynamically through the use of shopping device. Additionally, or alternatively, the marketing material may be displayed within the shopping list proximate to the location of the user.
[045] The present proximity shopping system additionally provides a user (shopper) an incentive to physically visit the store of the user’s choice. The present proximity shopping system also provides a user (shopper) to select a language of the user’s choice from the list of languages provided in the system.
[046] The present proximity shopping system is a multilingual service available as an application and/ or mobile Site and/ or website. The present system will enumerate and catalogue all retailers in a city across 13 broad categories.Each retail outlet will be geo-tagged (lat/long) and a list of 20 of their fast moving products showcased. A customer will have the opportunity to set the proximal search distance and enter a product category. Thereafter they could either visit the outlet for a physical sale closure or alternatively purchase online.

[047] Shopping is the focal point for every individual; it can be either local or online. Recently online shopping blew away the entire market. Online shopping gave visibility and gave competitive pricing which enabled a lot of vendors of have a hand on the market. Online market is slowly fading away with a lot of quality issues. India is the country with maximum entrepreneurs, as every shopkeeper is an entrepreneur. By the present shopping system the time where every entrepreneur can give a visibility of his top selling products.

[048] Being multilingual, the present shopping system bring larger numbers of “first timers” online.Given that a large part of the educated youth and working class migrate for jobs, they will be able to access services and products in their vicinity, as also move and settle in areas more confidently. There will be greater confidence to engage with local vendors as the vendors will be empaneled post checks as also there would be information on them. Further, given the option of directly visiting and paying at the outlet, will lead to faster and higher sales conversions than the measly 9% online today. As women are the biggest influencers on purchases, they will be more comfortable with a portal which offers a WYSIWYG model, particularly in areas of fashion, electronics and personal products.

[049] While tele-density and call penetrations are high across the entire Indian sub-continent, large parts of rural and central India are still in the process of coming into e-commerce. A primary prognosis is that probably higher levels of illiteracy as also lack of English usage abilities is a big hurdle in these markets. Equally the inventors have discovered that several e-commerce companies are not able to reach into these markets due to poor logistics or too expensive logistics cycles.
[050] Those skilled in the field of the present invention will recognize that this disclosure would enable one to make or use an electronically based shopping environment. It is understood that the form of the invention shown and described in the detailed description and the drawings are to be taken merely as presently preferred examples. The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.