Hands-free law Opens Door for Buetooth Marketing

June 30th, 2008

Driving with out a phone in your hand? Preposterous. Although most like the idea of a law in California that disallows the use of a cell phone while driving, retailers are finding out that they are reaping the rewards on gadget sales. Bluetooth gadgets have increased as of late in many of the technology stores such as Radio Shack.

“We have definitely seen increased interest in all things hands-free these weeks leading up to the law,” said Charles Hodges, RadioShack’s national director of media relations. “Based on the number of people that drive in California, we made sure stores are well-stocked for customers.”

With the availability of smaller chips to store computer memory, even car manufacturers are taking to making communication in cars “hands free” such as Ford’s new SYNC voice-activated in-dash system.

“Some people say they already have one, and others say tell me more about Bluetooth,” said Alex Bashiri, store manager at a RadioShack on Market Street in downtown San Francisco. He said that after he gives information and demonstrations of Bluetooth headsets, most people are sold.

“When they buy it, I tell them, ‘Now you are legal,’” Bashiri said.

How clever, Alex.