Four new inspiring virtual stores:
What is the interest of virtual stores?
Online commerce has exploded again this year and is expected to reach 110 billion euros in 2020. In Europe and more specifically in France, public authorities have encouraged retail players to digitalize their points of sale, to switch to click&collect or e-commerce, thus limiting travel, as a result of covid, while guaranteeing an income for companies. But among all these new digital solutions, which are the truly innovative ones? Through these examples of four new inspiring virtual stores recently put online, we try to enlighten you on the 360° showrooms which, from our point of view, are by far the most innovative solution to implement, quickly and efficiently.
Four new inspiring virtual stores: Dolce & Gabbana, the 360° experience.
The Dolce & Gabbana brand invites its community to dive into the heart of its physical sales outlets... but from a distance. A bold choice in the current health context, where the share of online purchases of luxury goods has reached 23% in 2020Launched first in Japan, Australia and Italy,the project has been deployed in Paris at the prestigious address of 3/5 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Once entered on the virtualboutique.dolcegabbana.com platform, the visitor clicks on the destination of his choice among those available. The system allows them to move around and view the store in 360 degrees. By clicking on the points of interaction available on the products, one can access the photo and the detailed sheet.the customer can make an appointment with a salesman, through an email, and get more information on the article that interests him, he can also book a virtual tour accompanied by a salesman on the phone.a nice introduction, however, the visit remains classic, it highlights the store without bringing much added value since it requires an additional step to place an order. It remains however one of the beautiful and inspiring virtual stores.
Dior Maison, the perfume boutique.
The Christian Dior Parfum virtual boutique offers an innovative shopping experience. Thanks to augmented reality, you can stroll around the showcase, located at 52 Avenue des Champs-Elysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. A simple click on one of the creations reveals the product's specifications and price. This self-guided tour brings the customer closer to the brand, andoffers a different perspective on customer relations. The feeling of being alone gives the customer a sense of privilege and intimacy with the brand. Dior adds value with the possibility of connecting to its e-commerce site. This is the beginning of an interesting business proposition. Dior Parfums
Be inspired by these examples of virtual stores to offer, you too, new shopping experiences in virtual reality! shopping experiences in virtual reality!
Four new inspiring virtual boutiques: Clarins, the ephemeral pop-up store :
For the past few years, the French brand has never ceased to surprise us: ever more qualitative make-up products, a complete makeover of its suncare range, the arrival of Myclarins... Clarins is not stopping there, however, and is now taking the digital route,a sign of the brand's modernity and its desire to stay as close as possible to its customers. To achieve this, the brand has created a number of customized areas: the virtual trial dedicated to make-up, the skin workshop to learn all about Clarins' iconic gestures, and the herbarium to discover Clarins' 208 beneficial plants. Despite the health context, a virtual boutique was first launched in France in October, before being progressively deployed physically in Dubai and Hong Kong, China. The boutique, the possibility of immediate purchase, direct access to an online make-up experience... all the criteria are here to stand out and create added value. The brand's universe is very present, even if the chosen location is perhaps not the most emblematic. Nevertheless, there are many interactions, and this visit allows you to measure the extent of Clarins' offer, which is effective. To see for yourself, click here.
Clarins Boutique
Charlotte Tilbury, Reconnecting with the Human:
In its virtual boutique, the Charlotte Tilbury brand took up the concept of the virtual boutique, mixing 360° photography and virtual reality (VR). What was most striking was that, unlike the other boutiques we visited, the emphasis was on putting the human element back at the heart of the digital experience.
As soon as you enter the showroom, Charlotte Tilbury is there to welcome you and guide you through this interactive space. The brand's universe is directly perceptible and the physical link is preserved. It is possible to explore the catalog in a 3D space generated for the occasion and totry some products in augmented reality. The brand wants to be as representative as possible of its strong brand identity. It is a perfect example of an inspiring virtual store.
Charlotte Tilbury
A counter example:
To promote its Advanced Génifique range, Lancôme launched an immersive virtual reality experience. This virtual flagship allowed users to immerse themselves in the brand's universe and discover the range in a new way. However, the universe, though modern, remains cold, with complex interactions and videos that impose themselves on the user.
Our RETAIL VR showrooms:
AtRetail VR, we're deeply convinced of the importance of maintaining a physical link with the customer. It's essential. In an ultra-competitive sector, it's essential to retain your authenticity, your brand universe and your customer relationships. Human relationships are all the more valuable when digitalization can take us away from them. On the contrary, the videoconferencing tools we've adopted overnight enable us to recreate this bond.We believe that if digitizing your store enables you to clone your store in 3D, it must also enable you to maintain the link between customer and salesperson. It's also important not to neglect the customer's in-store journey. Offer them a different, immersive experience, guiding them towards the products they like. In all cases, a virtual boutique must serve as a link with physical stores. At Retail VR, our virtual showroom offers (360° or VR) are accompanied by the possibility of interaction with a physical person. Order products remotely, view product data sheets. But also, call an advisor, accompany your customer through the purchasing process.Take inspiration from these examples of virtual stores, and create your own unique shopping experience in virtual reality. shopping experiences in virtual reality!