Whether you are a virtual reality enthusiast or just a regular Joe, you have likely seen or heard of advertising that utilizes virtual reality. While the concept is still relatively new, a large number of companies are using virtual reality in their marketing campaigns, and the technology is becoming more advanced with each passing day. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to the use of VR in advertising.
ToMS Shoes
Using a virtual reality headset to sell a product is a new and unique way to engage your customers. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your products and services.
A study by Google found that the majority of shoppers want to see the actual size of the items they are looking at. That’s why manufacturers are investing in VR technology. In fact, TOMS has installed the tech in 30 retail stores worldwide.
In addition to its philanthropic efforts, the social enterprise has a savvy marketing strategy. It’s a one-for-one shoemaker, meaning that every time a customer buys a pair of shoes, the company donates a pair to a child in need. Likewise, the company has put its VR technology to good use by offering backbone showcases in select department stores.
In the end, TOMS’ virtual reality campaign is just another step in the company’s mission to empower people to create a better tomorrow. In addition to the virtual shoe box, the company is also testing the waters with a VR application called Vrse. This VR app is a cleverly crafted virtual reality application which allows users to experience a real-life giving trip.
The best part is that you can participate in this philanthropic endeavor from virtually anywhere in the world. The company’s flagship LA store is hosting a virtual giving tour, which is part of an actual giving trip taking place later this month. The experience is free and will allow you to interact with children in need, measure their height, and learn about their lives. This is the best kind of customer engagement and will likely lead to more shoes in the hands of children who need them.
Walmart
Among other new technologies, Walmart is exploring the potential of virtual reality in advertising and merchandising. It will hold an exhibition to highlight innovative companies using VR in commerce. The technology has already been incorporated in some stores and is starting to reach the mass consumer.
Walmart has partnered with a number of startups to build out more advanced solutions. One of these is a virtual furniture showroom. Through a virtual headgear, shoppers can see a full store of furnishings in 3D. They can try on products and talk to virtual associates.
Walmart also uses VR to train employees at its academies. The company has a few hundred academies across the country. They’ve been experimenting with VR since last year to improve their training.
The company has purchased two VR firms, Spatialand and Zeekit. It will operate them as a third portfolio company within its Store No 8. The company will work to create new applications for virtual reality.
The company has also teamed up with Waymo on an online grocery pilot project. These partnerships will allow Walmart to learn more about their customers. The goal is to offer a convenient and unique experience.
Walmart has been acquiring startups to incorporate advanced technology into their business. They are trying to beat Amazon by becoming more tech-centric.
The company recently rolled out an assessment tool to find out how the use of technology can help level the playing field. They’ve already used the tool to determine whether ten thousand employees are qualified for new positions. This is the first step toward developing a virtual shopping system. It would require virtual products from Walmart, along with a high-quality VR headset.
EyeBuyDirect
Using a virtual try-on function on its website, EyeBuyDirect has recently explored the potential of virtual reality in advertising. This is one of the first major online retailers to do so, and the company has taken advantage of customer feedback in several ways.
One of the perks of using the virtual try-on function is that it gives customers a chance to try on a variety of frames and see what works best for them. They can also opt to record a short video without their glasses, which makes the experience that much more palatable.
Another cool feature that the company has implemented is an augmented reality size guide. This feature, which is also present on the site’s landing page, gives users a detailed view of the various frames available.
Besides offering a sidebar popup size guide, EyeBuyDirect has implemented a virtual imaging tool that allows customers to virtually try on glasses. They can select a frame, upload a photo, and change tints and colors. This is the closest the industry has come to a ‘try before you buy’ service.
Despite its relative infancy, the technology has already gained popularity among online eyewear retailers. It has been found that consumers are more than three times more likely to purchase a frame when offered the opportunity to do so.
For the first time, consumers can virtually try on a variety of frames and see how different styles work with their face. This is the best way to find out which style and color suits them.
With the advent of virtual reality and augmented reality, companies are finding new and exciting ways to connect with their customers. With this latest technology, companies can create compelling brand stories that engage their customers and boost sales.
Volvo
Using augmented reality, Volvo explored the potential of virtual reality in advertising and introduced its latest SUV, the XC90, in a Google Cardboard powered VR campaign. Customers were able to experience a virtual test drive at their convenience. It was also possible to interact with a showroom car and explore various trim options. The company’s downloadable smartphone app allows consumers to view a 360-degree interior view of the vehicle.
Volvo has been integrating virtual reality into its manufacturing process for years. For the past nine months, the company has been working with Microsoft’s HoloLens team. The company is still unsure of how far this technology will take it, but executives see huge applications. Ultimately, they want to work with Microsoft to develop new generation automotive technologies, and to collaborate on predictive analytics.
Volvo’s union with Microsoft demonstrates a human-centric approach. By combining a digital and physical world, Volvo can present new models in a unique way that could transform customer relationships with their cars. They say that the technology will help them open up new sales channels, freeing dealers from traditional sales environments. They are also testing the technology with employees from different categories.
For example, a customer can sit inside a showroom car and touch different trims and paint colors. They can also observe how the car reacts to various conditions. These features aren’t just fun to experience, but they can also convert leads.
For instance, the Varjo Bionic Display can assess how a test driver’s eyes respond to various situations, and it can evaluate a car’s safety systems. It can also fine-tune instrumentation and other car features. It can also help the user quickly iterate on UX concepts.
Samsung
Using Gear VR, Samsung is exploring the potential of virtual reality in advertising. The company recently introduced its “Pilot Season” initiative, which aims to create episodic virtual reality shows. As part of the effort, Samsung is offering a grant to indie filmmakers and allowing filmmakers to use a professional 360-degree camera.
The company is also encouraging consumers to try its new VR Gear headset in stores. Customers can see live events through the Gear VR camera and interact with products through desktop, mobile and tablet.
According to the International Advertising Association (IAB), marketers are still holding off on using VR in advertising until costs come down. However, several companies are aiming to be ahead of the curve. A recent report from Nielsen stated that virtual reality will be the trend of the future.
With the Gear VR, Samsung has created an ecosystem that includes more than 1,000 apps and a selection of high-quality videos. In addition, Samsung has partnered with major media brands and content creators to deliver immersive experiences. Its service offers a dedicated channel and a live-streaming platform for displaying episodic VR content.
Samsung’s 837 store also uses VR technology to increase sales. Visitors can interact with Samsung products in the store, ranging from a 4D VR chair to demos. In exchange, consumers receive discounts.
The company is also looking to expand the use of VR in education and health. In fact, Gear VR has already proven its value to businesses, with an estimated 5 million headsets sold in 2016.
With its Launching People campaign, Samsung is bringing together creative minds to overcome fears and accelerate discoveries. This campaign spans twelve countries and is aimed at young people. The initiative builds on the success of the previous campaign, which helped people realize their dreams.
