Retail methods for providing an interactive product to a consumer

Abstract

Methods are described for selling, loaning, renting, or otherwise providing a retail product, such as an interactive product, that allows a consumer to participate in one or more venues. The retail product is capable of interfacing with interactive devices in the venues that are capable of producing sensory effects based on communication from and/or to the retail product. Furthermore, the retail product preferably has an independent or intrinsic value apart from the use of the product in the venues, and may include, for example, a toy wand or like toy device, apparel, and/or jewelry. In certain examples, the retail methods include tracking the consumer's use of the retail product in the venue(s). Such tracking information may be used to customize the experience of the user during a subsequent visit to the same venue or another venue.

1 . A method of providing interactive entertainment, the method comprising: 
 providing a first interactive device in a first venue, the first interactive device configured to produce a first sensory response;    providing a second interactive device in a second venue, the second interactive device configured to produce a second sensory response, wherein the second venue differs from the first venue;    providing to a consumer a retail product configured to generate a first wireless signal to interface in the first venue with the first interactive device to cause the first sensory response, the retail product being further configured to generate a second wireless signal in the second venue with the second interactive device to cause the second sensory response; and    tracking the use of the retail product by the consumer in the first or second venues.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the retail product comprises at least one of a toy, apparel and a collector's item.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first venue comprises at least one of an entertainment or leisure facility, a restaurant, and a hotel.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said providing to the consumer comprises selling the retail product.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said providing to the consumer comprises renting the retail product.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said providing to the consumer comprises loaning the retail product.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first sensory response comprises at least one of providing discounts or rewards, enhancing an interactive play experience, and providing clues to a particular challenge.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , additionally comprising providing the consumer with an option of purchasing or returning the retail product after the consumer uses the retail product in at least one of the first and second venues.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , additionally comprising selling the consumer the retail product after the consumer uses the retail product in at least one of the first and second venues.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second venues are geographically separated.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said providing to the consumer comprises allowing the consumer to customize the design of the retail product.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the retail product further comprises an intrinsic value that is independent of a use of the retail product by the consumer in the first or second venues.  
   
   
       13 . A method of providing interactive entertainment, the method comprising: 
 providing an interactive toy to a consumer;    providing a first reader device in a first entertainment facility, the first reader device configured to electrically interface with the interactive toy to produce a first sensory response;    providing a second reader device in a second facility, the second reader device configured to electrically interface with the interactive toy to produce a second sensory response, wherein the second facility is distinct from the first entertainment facility; and    electronically tracking the use of the interactive toy in at least one of the first entertainment facility and the second facility.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive toy comprises a memory.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive toy comprises a wand.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive toy comprises a stuffed animal.  
   
   
       17 . A method of marketing a retail product to a consumer, the method comprising: 
 providing at least one interactive device in a venue, the at least one interactive device configured to produce at least one effect;    providing to a consumer a retail product configured to generate a wireless signal to interface in the venue with the at least one interactive device to trigger the at least one effect, the retail product comprising an intrinsic value that is independent of a use of the retail product by the consumer in the venue;    allowing the consumer to use the retail product in the venue for a period of time; and    offering for sale, after the period of time, the retail product to the consumer.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , additionally comprising electronically tracking the use of the retail product by in the venue.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the retail product is configured to store information indicative of the use of the retail product in the venue.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the intrinsic value comprises at least one of a play value, an artistic value, and a collectible value.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 17 , additionally comprising allowing the consumer to customize the design of the retail product.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the retail product comprises a memory.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the memory is configured to store an identification associated with the consumer.