Target Introduces Revolutionary Virtual Shopping Experience

Walmart Introduces Walmart Realm Virtual Shopping Platform

Walmart recently entered the virtual store trend with the launch of its immersive shopping platform called Walmart Realm. Chief Marketing Officer William White announced the debut of this innovative shopping experience on LinkedIn last week. Through Walmart Realm, customers can explore virtual environments and make purchases seamlessly.

The virtual store has three digital environments curated by online creators Mai Phammy, Nava Rose, Makenzie, and Malia. These sections are named Y’allternative, Go Chromatic, and So Jelly, featuring Western, metallic, and sea-themed products like home, fashion, and beauty items.

In addition, Walmart Realm offers gamification elements for users to engage with products and participate in giveaways. The retailer collaborated with Emperia to create the digital store.

Walmart's Dive into Immersive Experiences

Walmart is taking a step further into immersive experiences with Walmart Realm. This new feature showcases influencer-led virtual shops, making it easier for customers to be inspired and make purchases seamlessly.

"At Walmart, we are excited about the new Walmart Realm, which is all about incorporating innovation into our online shopping experiences," White mentioned. "This latest addition is changing the way people shop, and we can't wait for our customers to try it out."

Last year, Walmart launched the Supercampus game on Roblox, just in time for back-to-school shopping. In the game, players could have fun solving puzzles and using products from 3M, Crayola, and Bic.

The immersive store trend has been gaining popularity over the past year. Emperia, alongside Walmart, has been assisting brands and retailers in developing their virtual stores. Some of the brands they have worked with include Lacoste, Bloomingdale’s, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Obsess, an experiential e-commerce company, has also been expanding its list of retail partners looking to create virtual stores. Companies like Elizabeth Arden, J. Crew, and Alo Yoga have partnered with Obsess. After launching their virtual store last year, Alo Yoga collaborated with Obsess once again to create an immersive shopping experience on the Apple Vision Pro, known as the Alo Sanctuary.

Obsess recently launched Ava by Obsess, a tool that allows brands to create their own virtual stores and personalized 3D experiences. Major brands like Ralph Lauren and Charlotte Tilbury have already utilized this tool to develop their virtual stores.

Editor's P/S:

Walmart's foray into virtual shopping with Walmart Realm is a testament to the growing popularity of immersive experiences in retail. By partnering with influencers and leveraging gamification, Walmart is creating a unique and engaging shopping environment that allows customers to explore products and make purchases seamlessly. This move follows Walmart's previous launch of the Supercampus game on Roblox, demonstrating the company's commitment to innovation and providing immersive customer experiences.

The trend towards virtual stores is being driven by the desire of brands and retailers to connect with consumers in a more engaging and personalized way. Emperia and Obsess are leading the way in this space, assisting brands in developing virtual stores that offer interactive experiences and allow for seamless purchases. The use of tools like Ava by Obsess empowers brands to create their own virtual stores and tailor the experience to their specific brand identity and products. This shift towards immersive shopping is likely to continue as consumers embrace the convenience and personalization that virtual stores offer.