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How the Metaverse May Reshape Retail

1 min read · 511 views Bong-Geun Choi Jan 02, 2023

The metaverse has the potential to blur the divide between the physical and digital worlds and change the way that business is conducted.  One industry that may be particularly affected by metaverse technology is retail.  The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, held its Innovation Lab, where more than 50 visionary startups across the retail industry showcased their technology, which included the metaverse.[1]  What exciting features were highlighted from this event?

 

Virtual Stores and Showrooms

Through metaverse technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) retail companies may create virtual stores and showrooms in the metaverse. 

 

A digital twin of an existing retail outlet or a unique showroom representation can be created, allowing customers to virtually browse a company’s store.  Product information may be displayed by clicking on items in the stores Additionally, product demonstrations may be included.  Finally, consumers can purchase these items.

 

Virtual stores and showrooms are not limited to fashion and apparel but can include automobile showrooms, home décor, or business-to-business (B2B) items.

 

Picture Yourself

Metaverse technologies may allow consumers to virtually try on goods or visualize them in their surroundings.  For example, technology exists to create a digital representation of an individual’s body so that they can try on clothes and see how they will fit. 

 

Another example of this scanning technology is that it permits consumers to see how furniture may fit and look in their homes.  Consumers may configure a retailer’s products to their preferences and project 3D products right next to them.  Or they can see the manufacturer’s products in their home through virtual reality.

 

Help for Retailers

Technology exists to allow companies to convert 2D images of real-world objects into realistic 3D digital assets.  The digital assets may be used in AR, VR, gaming, or even as a non-fungible token.[2]  The technology aims to make the creation of 3D assets more time-efficient.

 

Testing Before Implementation

Digital twin technology is currently being used in manufacturing.[3]  Now, it may be used in retail.  The technology may allow product manufacturers, retailers, and researchers to design, test, and implement retail solutions.  For example, the technology may be used to analyze customer flow on the sales floor.

 

Technology Transforming Retail

As individuals spend more time online, retailers may need to rethink how they connect with consumers.  Metaverse technology may provide such a solution.  Companies that can adopt and incorporate metaverse technology into their sales process may be poised to better whether changing consumer preferences and behavior.

 


[1] How the Metaverse is Set to Shake Up Retail, National Retail Federation, 11/7/22

[2] For more information on NFTs, please see our blog “Will-NFTs-Promote-Growth-of-the-Metaverse

[3] For more information on digital twin technology, please see our blog “Can-the-Metaverse-Help-Solve-Supply-Chain-Problems


 

Bong-Geun Choi

Chief Economist

bchoi@fountinvestment.com

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