As with most other industries, the ever-moving evolution of technology has had a direct, and impressive impact on retail. The way that consumers shop, purchase, and receive the product points to the fact that it is a radically different world today than it was a short generation ago.
Virtual Shopping. According to Business Insider, “eBay launched what it has dubbed the first-ever virtual reality department store in partnership with Australian department store Myer.” eBay Australia is utilizing “shopticals” that allow customers to navigate the store, and to purchase items using just their line-of-sight. It’s the first of its kind, but definitely not the last.
Virtual Try-Ons. Retail companies have implemented tech services that allow consumers to see themselves in apparel, without even trying it on. One simple photo upload, and instead of visiting a store or even ordering samples, the customer can see themselves in as many different glasses oroutfits as they wish, all from the comfort of their couch. This extends far beyond just apparel though. For example, today’s consumer need not fret over the wrong color choice for their home when they can see it first.
Virtual Experience. Now, in 37 states AT&T customers can benefit from AT&T’s partnership with Samsung Electronics. At 133 stores, “Samsung Gear VR by Oculus lets users virtually experience a Carnival Cruise.” That’s right, you can go shopping for new headphones, and experience a cruise while you’re at it.
The aforementioned are only a few examples that point to the wide-ranging implications of a retail industry that is being drastically altered by both the technology that is the child of modern science, as well as the expectations of the tech-savvy consumer.
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