The traditional deck chair, a staple of British beach life since the late 1800s, has been given a 21st-century revamp to cater for today’s tech-savvy sunbathers, complete with a phone charger and screen glare block.
This high-tech prototype, designed by Paypal, includes solar panels and a battery pack to keep your gadgets fully charged. It also features a drinks holder, a built-in fan, and even a bespoke horn to scare off pesky seagulls.
The redesign follows research revealing that one in five Britons shop on their phones or tablets while enjoying a day at the seaside.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that clothes and fashion items are among the top purchases, with nearly a fifth spending between £51-75 when shopping online at the beach, and some splashing out up to £200.
However, issues such as phones overheating and a lack of WiFi can hinder a smooth scrolling experience on the beach, not to mention the problems caused by a lack of shade and sand getting into the phone charger hole.
Speaking in partnership with Paypal, consumer behaviour and retail expert Dr. Amna Khan said: “Smartphones have transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, from how we navigate our cars to how we manage our health and shop for essentials.
“This digital shift has made shopping anytime, anywhere second nature – even on the beach, positioning it as the next frontier for a tech refresh.
“The once simple beach experience is getting a long-overdue upgrade. With tech-enhanced deckchairs featuring innovations like built-in glare-blocking screens, beachgoers can now seamlessly blend relaxation with connectivity, reflecting the evolving expectations of today’s digital-first lifestyles.”
From 9th August, Brits in Brighton will be able to experience these modern seaside seats, courtesy of PayPal.
Dave Jones, head of consumer from PayPal, which has introduced a three per cent cashback incentive to help people put money back in their pockets, added: “We can see from our research that more and more people are bringing their phones to the beach, and their shopping habits too.
“That’s why we’ve reimagined the classic deckchair with a modern twist, making it easier to stay connected and even earn cashback while soaking up the sun.”