Myer and eBay launch world first virtual reality department store

In what has been 12 months in the works, Myer and eBay are leading retail innovation by creating the world’s first virtual reality department store.

The concept is surprisingly simple with users requiring a VR headset, an iOS or Android device and the ‘eBay Virtual Reality Department Store’ app.

Once launched, the user chooses the departments of interest they would like to browse and a custom virtual store is built to reflect the customer’s selections.

The customer is now able to navigate through the product range with their gaze.

By simply hovering over a certain product customers can view a 3D model and are given the option to hover over information icons, which give more details in regards to full product specifications, price, availability and shipping details.

Purchasing for the customer is as simple as shifting their gaze to the “Add to Basket” icon, which will take them to eBay app where they can complete purchases.

Myer and eBay virtual shopping experience can be used with cardboard glasses and customer’s smartphones Picture: Justin LloydSource:News Corp Australia

Senior Director Marketing, Advertising Sales & Retail Innovation for eBay Steve Brennen said the partnership between the two companies was a no brainer.

“We always pictured this as a glimpse into how shopping will look in the future, so we wanted a partner that could bring an amazing selection and Myer have better product than anyone else,” he told news.com.au.

“We both have a lot of synergies around creating an innovative customer experience. We see virtual-commerce being the fourth channel to the pre-existing physical, e-commerce and mobile-commerce experience.”

Mr Brennen said the app would connect to the existing range offered in Myer’s eBay product page.

“Currently there are over 12,000 products providing a good range of inventory. The entire product range, pricing and stock information will also be updated in real-time, which is a first for virtual reality experiences globally,” he said.

No more fighting the crowds, you can now shop from the comfort of your home.Source:Supplied

Myer Chief Digital & Data Officer Mark Cripsey said he didn’t see the app as a threat to physical or online shopping.

“We are all about bringing the online shopping experience to life and we feel this is a great experiment to see if customers enjoy the virtual world as much as they do when they walk into a Myer department store,” he told news.com.au.

While the product is still in its early stages, both Myer and eBay will be exploring customer feedback to see how they can improve the experience.

Future plans include the ability to virtually shop with your friends or the ability to enter your measurements to see how clothes would look on your body shape without having to physically try them on.

Mr Brennen said he believed Australia was the ideal market to be testing these innovative ideas.

“In January to April eBay sold tens of thousands of VR headsets, which shows Australians are ready for the technology and want to get their hands on it,” he said.

“So far we haven’t seen many brands outside of gaming and entertainment using the technology, so we are looking to lead the way.”

From today, eBay and Myer are offering customers the opportunity to receive their own shopticals — specially designed virtual reality viewers — to start their VR shopping experience. 15,000 shopticals will be available free of charge.