Australian retailer Myer in partnership with eBay has launched the
world’s first virtual reality department store that enables consumers to
explore and shop products merely by using their eyes.
Using the eBay Sight Search app that works with virtual reality headsets
like Samsung’s Gear VR and Google Cardboard, shoppers can browse and
experience more than 12,500 products in 2D from Myer, with 100 of the top
products being viewable in 3D.
The experience isn’t like walking into an actual store, rather like
stepping inside the internet, with the products and descriptions floating
around when a user wants to see more they simply select by sight, holding
their gaze on the item for a number of seconds, rather than needing hand
controls.
Items can be added to the basket, by simply using eye contact, but to
buy, users need to take off the headset and return to the eBay app to
process payment.
Jooman Park, managing director eBay Australia and New Zealand said:
“Until now we have not had the opportunity to physically experience the
transformative effect VR could have on retail. 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 e-commerce
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 chief executive and managing director, Richard Umbers added: “This
exciting collaboration with eBay reaffirms our commitment to omnichannel
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. This really showcases a department store that can bring the love
of shopping to life across both physical and digital environments.”
Myer is also offering customers the opportunity to receive their own
shopticals, specially designed virtual reality viewers, to start their VR
shopping experience, with 15,000 being made available for free.
Images: Courtesy of eBay Australia and Myer