eBay and Myer have teamed up to create what they state is the world’s first virtual reality department store, featuring more than 12,500 products from Myer.Users will be able to download the eBay Virtual Reality Department Store app on a compatible iOS or Android smartphone, which can then be launched for viewing via a virtual reality headset.
The products can be browsed, selected and added to a cart using eBay Sight Search, with the shopper viewing a product in the store and, by holding their gaze on it, selecting it, with the product automatically floating towards them.
eBay and Myer are offering customers the opportunity to receive their own specially designed virtual reality viewers, termed “shopticals”, with 15,000 of the viewers to be available free of charge (see link below).
“Until now, we have not had the opportunity to physically experience the transformative effect VR could have on retail,” Jooman Park, eBay Australia and New Zealand managing director, commented.
“By building the world’s first VR department store here in Australia and observing the reactions of thousands of consumers who trial the experience, we have the opportunity to lead the world into the next phase of retailing.
“It’s been important to us that we don’t just replicate the ecommerce experience in a virtual environment. We are taking the best elements of traditional retail and expanding on them to improve browsing, selection, personalisation and efficiency.”
Myer CEO and managing director Richard Umbers stated that the collaboration reaffirms Myer’s “commitment to omni-channel and building a truly contemporary and innovative retail offer”.
“Our customers can now immerse themselves in the experience of shopping inside a Myer store from wherever they may be, with product information updated in real time to ensure everyone can keep up with the latest offers from Myer,” Umbers stated.
“This really showcases a department store that can bring the love of shopping to life across both physical and digital environments.”
Further information can be found here.
