“Third World Who?”: UK Couple Left Stunned by Futuristic Changing Room in Goa Store
In an era where innovation often surprises even the most well-traveled global citizens, a seemingly ordinary shopping trip in Goa turned into a jaw-dropping experience for a visiting UK couple. What caught their attention wasn’t a flashy new gadget or exotic souvenir — it was a “futuristic” changing room tucked inside a boutique clothing store. Their stunned reaction, now viral on social media, has reignited conversations around India’s rapid leap in tech-enabled retail and shattered long-held stereotypes.
An Unexpected Encounter in Goa’s Trendy Street Market
The couple, Emily and Daniel Smith from London, were vacationing in Panjim, exploring Goa’s mix of local boutiques and upscale stores. Upon stepping into a chic, tech-forward fashion outlet, they expected the usual shopping experience. But once Emily stepped into the changing room, she was in for a surprise.
Instead of the usual curtain and mirror, she was greeted with:
- AI-enabled smart mirrors that offered real-time outfit suggestions
- 360-degree lighting adjustments to simulate indoor, outdoor, and evening settings
- A touchscreen interface allowing her to change color variants and sizes without stepping out
- A virtual stylist assistant giving tips on accessories and matching items
Emily emerged visibly awestruck, exclaiming:
“This is better than anything we’ve seen in London or Paris. ‘Third World’? Are you kidding?”
Daniel quickly recorded the experience, captioning the video:
“When you think you’re shopping in a beach town in India but step into the future. Third world who?!”
Viral Moment: Social Media Can’t Get Enough
The clip of the changing room — sleek, voice-responsive, and hyper-modern — racked up over 3 million views in 48 hours on Instagram and TikTok. Comments poured in from across the globe, praising the innovation and questioning long-held assumptions about India’s tech infrastructure.
Popular comments included:
- “This looks straight out of a sci-fi movie — in Goa? Mind blown.”
- “India is redefining retail tech while the West is still stuck with stained curtains and flickering lights.”
- “More power to the New India!”
Indian netizens were quick to seize the moment with pride, with hashtags like #DigitalIndia, #SmartRetail, and #NotSoThirdWorld trending across platforms.
The Tech Behind the Magic: Smart Retail in India
India’s retail landscape has undergone a silent but powerful transformation in recent years. The Goa store, reportedly part of a chain called “Mirror Me”, is among a growing number of outlets investing in AI-driven customer experience.
Key features of this smart changing room included:
- RFID integration: Automatically detects the item brought in
- Augmented Reality (AR) overlays: Try-on different styles digitally
- Voice-activated assistants: Customize size, lighting, or even call a store assistant
- Hygiene-focused features: Contactless fittings and UV sanitization between uses
According to tech startup insiders, these innovations are made in India, designed for a post-pandemic retail world where safety, personalization, and efficiency are priorities.
Breaking the “Third World” Myth — One Innovation at a Time
The couple’s comment — “Third World Who?” — while made humorously, also sparked debate on how the term “Third World” itself is outdated, reductionist, and often fails to capture the progress happening in countries like India.
India, often viewed through the lens of its past, is rapidly redefining its identity, especially in technology, e-commerce, fintech, and consumer experience. Cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad — and now even coastal hubs like Goa — are becoming centers of cutting-edge innovation.
From Moment to Movement: What Happens Next?
Retail experts suggest that moments like this aren’t just viral anecdotes — they represent a paradigm shift in global perception.
- Foreign tourists are witnessing a side of India that goes beyond temples and tradition.
- Young Indian entrepreneurs are using global-standard tech to redefine shopping, fashion, and hospitality.
- The government’s ‘Digital India’ push is providing the infrastructure for such innovation to thrive — even in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Retail futurist Anjali Rao notes:
“In 10 years, people won’t be talking about ‘first’ or ‘third’ worlds. They’ll talk about connected, creative, and customer-first ecosystems. India’s ahead in that race in many ways.”
Goa’s Glamour Isn’t Just Beaches Anymore
What started as a casual day of shopping in Goa turned into a globally viral statement about India’s rising tech prowess. For Emily and Daniel — and millions who watched their video — it was a moment of realization: India isn’t catching up; in many ways, it’s leading.
So the next time you think “developing country,” just remember — in one boutique in Goa, the future of fashion retail is already here.
From palm trees to smart mirrors, Goa is no longer just a getaway — it’s a gateway to the future.
