The Retail Technology Trends Predicted to Dominate 2024

We are only a few short days into 2024 but, as always, the retail industry is already looking toward its next evolution. While 2023 was defined by a mass awakening to the power and availability of AI and machine learning, 2024 will take these learnings and employ them at scale to deepen personalization efforts and bring customer-centricity further into the forefront. Retailers will look to create hyper-personalized, differentiated, valuable customer experiences that focus on brand memorability and meaning. Obsess predicts that 2024 retail technologies will revolve around four primary trends:

  1. The advent of spatial computing with Apple’s new Vision Pro device.
  2. A persistent growth in AI-driven personalization and predictive content.
  3. Gamification’s triumph as a necessity in online shopping.
  4. The evolution of dynamic merchandising strategies to enhance customer engagement and drive cross-selling initiatives.
Apple Vision Pro - virtual shopping experiences for brands

Retail Technology Trend Prediction #1: 2024’s newest buzz phrase will be: “spatial computing,” courtesy of Apple Vision Pro.

The new year is set to embrace the mainstream emergence of “spatial computing,” marked by Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro device. This technology—driven by enhanced processors, ultra-high definition and global network speeds—promises revolutionary immersive shopping experiences. By integrating 3D digital interfaces mirroring human interactions, spatial computing transcends conventional online shopping encounters.

The arrival of Apple Vision Pro heralds a new era by seamlessly merging virtual and physical realms through a blend of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This device allows products to appear life-size in a user’s physical space via AR, enabling interaction through intuitive gestures with eyes, hands and voice. Although positioned at a premium price point, it aligns naturally with brands targeting innovation or luxury customers, typically gaining traction through early app store downloads.

Over the next year and the subsequent five or so years, expect spatial computing devices and apps to gain widespread adoption—providing a more natural, intuitive, and human-centered way of engaging with technology. The emergence of Apple Vision Pro could very well draw similarities from the advent of the iPhone.

Retail Technology Trend Prediction #2: AI will continue to dominate content creation.

AI continues to hold a pivotal role in crafting highly personalized and predictive content in retail, and even more notably in e-commerce. Advanced algorithms and data analytics decode intricate consumer behaviors, enabling tailored shopping experiences. From intuitive chatbots offering real-time assistance to precise product recommendations, AI-generated content and experiences will continue to enhance engagement and satisfaction aligned to bespoke customer journeys.

Obsess, in partnership with Coresight Research, reported in Q4 2023 that immersive experiences would be a top three priority investment area for brands and retailers during the following 12 months, Within immersive experiences, data/AI-enabled content for personalization ranked as the top investment priority.

According to the report: 71% of US-based brands and retailers have already invested in data/AI-enabled content for personalization. Of these brands and retailers, 77% reported significant or moderate increases in online sales.

Retail Technology Trend Prediction #3: Gamification will go from a nice-to-have to a need-to-have in e-commerce.

In order to stay relevant in 2024: retailers will need to incorporate principles of game play into their online shopping experiences. With over 80% of consumers engaged in video games, integrating gamified shopping experiences becomes pivotal to capturing and retaining younger demographics.

Gamified shopping content will become a direct line for brands to capture the attention of Gen Z. Similar to how social media once served as the ticket to captivate millennials, branded gaming will be the gateway for businesses to connect with Gen Z and younger demographics. 

For brands and retailers to thrive in the current shopping landscape, embracing gamification as a core element of their digital approach will be crucial. Obsess has created over 300 virtual stores for brands, and the data from these stores proves that when brands add gamification into their virtual shopping experiences; they increase shoppers’ likelihood to add to cart by 10X, compared to when they do not include the feature at all.

Templated virtual stores - drag and drop products

Retail Technology Trend Prediction #4: Dynamic merchandising will elevate customer engagement.

Online retail strategies in 2024 will lean toward more dynamic merchandising, emboldened by data-driven insights and AI-driven analytics. Digital marketplaces will adeptly adjust product displays and content in real-time to show a wider, yet more tailored, assortment. These immersive displays will not only increase engagement and retention, but they will also unlock new opportunities for cross-sells and up-sells.

Virtual stores are types of immersive 3D experiences that harness spatial analytics, enabling the continuous fine-tuning of shopping environments using live data. Similar to physical store setups, virtual store managers can analyze browsing and buying patterns by rearranging products in diverse sections of the 3D space efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Crate & Barrel Virtual Flagship Store, powered by Obsess - Inside View

2024 promises to redefine the retail technology landscape with:

  • Apple Vision Pro leading spatial computing advancements.
  • AI’s continued dominance in crafting hyper-personalized content.
  • The imperative integration of gaming principles into online shopping.
  • Dynamic merchandising strategies that enhance engagement and cross-sells in e-commerce.

Brands and retailers that embrace these trends will cement their roles as critical players in the next generation of online shopping.

Insights into Immersive Experiences in Retail, based on a 2023 Survey

In the rapidly evolving world of retail, the integration of immersive experiences has emerged as a pivotal strategy to captivate and engage consumers. In Q4 2023, Obsess partnered with Coresight Research to conduct a study of 150 retail decision-makers, which sought to understand how retailers are thinking about immersive experiences—including how they are prioritizing investments, and which types of results they are seeing.

The full report is available to download for free here.

55% of brands and retailers will increase investment in immersive experiences in the next three years, according to Obsess and Coresight Research.

The report’s findings forecast the AR market to soar to $31.3 billion by 2027. Meanwhile, the VR market, though smaller, is set for significant growth, projected to escalate from $12.9 billion in 2023 to $20.7 billion by 2027. The growth rate of VR is notably 1.5 times greater than that of AR, highlighting a compelling trend in technological advancement and consumer adoption.

However, what makes this growth even more compelling is the insight derived from the survey conducted among industry respondents. More than half of all surveyed brands and retailers indicated that they would increase their investment in immersive experiences during the next three years. Likewise, an overwhelming 86% of respondents indicated a definite intent to increase their investment in immersive experiences over the next 10 years.

This high planned adoption rate within the next few years highlights an urgency around investing in immersive experiences. Despite economic challenges, surveyed brands and retailers have signaled that they will continue to invest in immersive experiences, emphasizing the value that companies believe they stand to gain from investing in this area.

88% of brands and retailers boosted sales with virtual stores, according to Obsess and Coresight Research.

Immersive experiences encompass a wide spectrum—from virtual stores and VR/AR-enabled try-on to AI-driven content for personalization and social shopping.

The impact of virtual stores is tangible, with an impressive 88% uplift in sales after investing in virtual stores. Likewise, brands partnering with Obsess witness up to 10X longer session times in virtual stores compared to traditional e-commerce platforms.

Stats about virtual store performance, based on a survey conducted by Obsess and Coresight research.

The survey identified seven types of immersive experiences, with four emerging as front-runners in revolutionizing consumer engagement within retail.

Interestingly, virtual try-on, virtual fashion shows/events, and livestreaming are already well-established immersive experiences in the market. The remaining four—virtual stores, gamified shopping experiences, social shopping, and data/AI-enabled content for personalization—are gaining traction among brands and retailers as innovative avenues to boost sales and enrich consumer interactions.

The survey delved into the considerations that companies planning to invest in each type of immersive experience deemed most critical within the upcoming 12 months. Notably:

  1. Virtual Stores and Gamified Shopping Experiences: Retailers prioritize a seamless user experience, with a “user-friendly interface” ranking high. Additionally, the importance of “mobile responsiveness” underscores the shift towards catering to mobile-savvy consumers.
  2. Data/AI-enabled Content for Personalization: Companies emphasize tailored engagement, leveraging data insights for personalization. Notably, “data analytics and insights” top the list for virtual stores, signaling a shift towards leveraging consumer behavior data, similar to the approach used in physical stores.
  3. Social Shopping: Cost emerges as a critical factor, potentially attributed to expenses related to creator-generated content, celebrity endorsements, and user-community activities.

These insights underscore a strategic shift in how retailers perceive and approach immersive experiences. Beyond the technological novelty, companies prioritize aspects that directly impact consumer engagement and satisfaction, aiming to minimize friction and enhance the overall experience.

The report illuminates the evolving landscape of immersive experiences in retail, offering a roadmap for businesses aiming to navigate and harness the potential of new technologies. The integration of immersive experiences into retail is not merely a trend but a strategic imperative, aligning with the evolving preferences of modern consumers. As businesses invest in these technologies, they aim to not only boost sales but also glean invaluable insights into consumer behavior, enabling more informed marketing strategies and innovative approaches to store layout and inventory management.

Download the full report here.

Virtual Store Spotlight: Holiday World of J.Crew

The classic American fashion retailer, J.Crew, introduces its second Obsess-powered virtual store. With a holiday-inspired ambiance, the World of J.Crew transitions into a digital après-ski retreat. Users can navigate the Snow Lodge for the newest women’s styles and the Ski Chalet for men’s—an immersive digital expedition delving into the brand’s essence and seasonal offerings.

This immersive experience incorporates a variety of interactive elements and several rooms designed to present J.Crew’s merchandise in innovative ways. Within the Gifting Suite, users can click on gift boxes to unveil a selection of the most festive products. The Catalog Archives room is designed to offer brand enthusiasts a unique chance to test their knowledge through a branded quiz exploring the celebrated archives of J.Crew catalogs, fostering a connection with the brand’s long and storied heritage.

J Crew holiday Virtual store powered by Obsess

Dynamic animations captivate users throughout, and the scavenger hunt invites shoppers to collect J.Crew ski passes, unlocking a chance at an exclusive luxe cashmere giveaway. The Party Room provides an ideal backdrop for the brand’s festive women’s party products, highlighted in the season’s vibrant red hue. Adding an extra layer of excitement, the store features a vintage video game-style Ski Racing Game, challenging players to navigate a skier through a series of slopes obstacles. The brand’s curated selection of seasonal looks and holiday gifts is seamlessly woven into the experience, offering a fully shoppable journey.

J Crew holiday Virtual store powered by Obsess: shopping

In the prior edition, as a tribute to 40 years of American style, J.Crew engaged its community with a virtual flagship store—the J.Crew Virtual Beach House. This immersive experience showcased the brand’s products within classic-themed print rooms, ranging from the stripe room to the floral room. Users were encouraged to test their knowledge with a pop quiz and participate in a scavenger hunt to unlock access to the Secret Lighthouse, revealing exclusive content.

Looking to build a virtual flagship of your own? Book a demo with the Obsess team today.

Virtual Store Spotlight: Sephora x Cosmopolitan Gifting Suite

This holiday season, renowned Hearst publication Cosmopolitan introduces an innovative experience in collaboration with Sephora—a virtual gifting suite designed to redefine fragrance content and shopping. Whether one is seeking a scent for personal indulgence or as a sophisticated gift, this suite promises a blend of luxury and personal discovery, setting a new standard for olfactory experiences in the beauty industry.

Sephora x Cosmopolitan Virtual Gifting Experience Powered by Obsess

Central to this virtual experience is the iconic Cosmopolitan quiz, expertly fashioned to reveal unique scent profiles. Shoppers are invited to engage with a series of questions, thoughtfully designed to unravel the nuances of their fragrance preferences and personal style.

Sephora x Cosmopolitan Virtual Gifting Experience Powered by Obsess

Following the quiz, shoppers seamlessly transition to explore a curated selection of note-categorized, directly shoppable products housed within the suite. This assortment is thoughtfully arranged and easily navigable, ensuring a shopping experience that aligns with individual tastes and preferences of users across “floral,” “earthy and woody,” as well as “warm and spicy” notes.

Sephora x Cosmopolitan Virtual Gifting Experience Powered by Obsess

Want to create an innovative and engaging digital experience that builds brand affinity while delivering a more memorable, immersive shopping experience? Book a demo to discover our platform.

Virtual Store Spotlight: Crate & Barrel Flagship for Furniture and Homeware

Crate & Barrel, the household name synonymous with exquisite furniture and homeware, has embarked on an innovative journey, breaking the barriers of traditional retail for home brands. The home goods company has launched its first-ever immersive virtual flagship store, in collaboration with Obsess. This groundbreaking initiative promises a transformative shopping experience for customers worldwide.

Crate & Barrel Virtual Flagship Store, powered by Obsess - Inside View

The virtual store, an exact replica of Crate & Barrel’s new physical flagship store situated in the vibrant Flatiron neighborhood of New York City, transcends the limitations of conventional online shopping. Boasting a fully rendered space using Obsess’s patented 3D technology, this architectural marvel offers more than just a digital catalog. It’s a dynamic, interactive environment replete with engaging animations and personalized tools that enable customers to curate their dream living spaces.

One of the key highlights of this virtual experience is the ability for patrons to customize their own sofa sets and design their ideal living rooms. Through intuitive personalization tools, customers can visualize and tailor furniture arrangements to suit their unique preferences, transforming their visions into virtual reality.

Crate & Barrel Virtual Flagship Store, powered by Obsess - Bouquet Customizer

Additionally, the store features an innovative option allowing customers to craft bespoke bouquets by selecting vases and botanicals from Crate & Barrel’s extensive collection. This level of customization adds a touch of personal flair, enabling individuals to infuse their spaces with a distinct personality.

Obsess has brought to life over 450 shoppable products within eight interactive room environments. From dining areas to kitchen setups, living rooms, botanical shops, and spaces dedicated to Crate & Kids, this virtual haven mirrors the versatility and richness of the physical flagship store.

“We’re excited to partner with Obsess on this groundbreaking venture, offering our online customers an unprecedented way to engage with our brand,” stated Sebastian Brauer, Senior VP of Product Design at Crate & Barrel. “This immersive tour enables our global clientele to envision and experience our new flagship in NYC, fostering creativity and inspiration in designing their ideal spaces.”

Crate & Barrel Virtual Flagship Store, powered by Obsess - Crate & Kids View

The virtual store transports visitors into a vivid, 360-degree rendition of the physical flagship at 881 Broadway, housed in a historically significant building dating back to 1868. Maintaining neoclassical columns and a volcanic ash tile wall, this homage to the city’s heritage merges seamlessly with contemporary retail innovation, creating an immersive journey through time and design.

Neha Singh, Founder and CEO of Obsess, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting how the virtual store empowers online customers to indulge in a sensory-rich shopping escapade. “Every element and product within the environment is available for purchase, offering customers a lifelike experience that transcends the typical online shopping journey.”

Furthermore, the virtual store introduces a Design Desk, a hub for customers seeking expert guidance and design services. Visitors can engage with Crate & Barrel’s design experts virtually, in-store, or within the comfort of their homes, fostering engagement and collaborative conversations that bring their visions to fruition.

Crate & Barrel Virtual Flagship Store, powered by Obsess - Crate & Kids View

In an era where technology merges seamlessly with retail, Crate & Barrel’s immersive virtual store stands as a testament to innovation, redefining the art of shopping and paving the way for the future of retail experiences worldwide. To explore this innovative virtual store and indulge in a truly immersive shopping experience, visit Crate & Barrel’s Virtual Flagship Store.

Looking to build a virtual flagship of your own? Book a demo with the Obsess team today.

Virtual Store Spotlight: H-E-B Grocery Holiday Home

H-E-B, the beloved Texas-based grocery chain, has launched its first-ever virtual store, transforming the way customers can now experience grocery shopping. Step into their Holiday Home to experience an immersive wonderland of flavors, recipes and holiday products that unfold through interactive features.

The experience itself takes inspiration from the warm and inviting interiors of Texas-style homes, adorned with festive decorations and a variety of products available for holiday shopping. The space is expansive, featuring multiple rooms including the Living Room, Kitchen, Coffee Nook, Den, Dining Room, and a Backyard. Upon entering, users are greeted by virtual chef avatars ready to guide shoppers through delicious recipes. An assortment of recipe pop-ups, covering appetizers, main dishes, sides and desserts, is showcased throughout the experience. Each pop-up is complemented by shoppable links, offering a seamless way to add ingredients to cart with a single click. Users can further engage in an educational adventure through incentivized game play in the form of a scavenger hunt. The interactive game unveils facts about H-E-B and its rich history. The completion of the hunt unlocks exclusive holiday deals, transforming the experience into a rewarding journey of discovery and savings. 

HEB_Virtual Grocery Store_Obsess

The virtual experience further provides the brand a platform to spotlight its philanthropic endeavors through interactive content, such as the Feast of Sharing—an annual event where free holiday meals are distributed. Concluding the virtual exploration is the Mi Tienda Patio, an exclusive room designed to envelop visitors in Mexican-inspired flavors and aromas. Here, a carefully curated collection of products and decor authentically captures the essence of this vibrant culinary tradition.

HEB_Virtual Grocery Store_Obsess

Want to create an innovative and engaging digital experience that builds brand affinity while delivering a more memorable, immersive shopping experience? Book a demo to discover our platform.

Virtual Store Spotlight: Corona Virtual Experiences

Corona is giving fans a new way to shop and engage with their brand, transporting consumers to a variety of locations with their virtual experiences. With the launch of the Virtual Clubhouse, the iconic beer brand takes users to the golf course with the chance to go to the 2023 U.S. Open as part of their PGA campaign. In the second experience, Ticket to Summer, Corona takes visitors on a fun-filled vacation, with brand ambassador Snoop Dogg, to a music festival, the beach and the ballpark—they can even take a swing on the pitch in the custom Home Run Derby game. As part of their holiday campaign, Corona launched the virtual Holiday Beach Hut, taking visitors to a sandy, sunset paradise modeled after their iconic, long-standing holiday commercial with Snoop.

Corona Virtual Clubhouse

Fans can join Corona on a golf resort with a number of amenities in the Virtual Clubhouse. Throughout the space, users can learn more about Corona’s signature products and flavors, and engage with interactive features and content–visitors can play, shop, experiment with recipes and more. 

Consumers can keep their game light and their memory sharp with the matching game out on the green for a chance to win a discount code for apparel and accessories. Visitors can then swing over to the gift shop to shop exclusive apparel and accessories in collaboration with Travis Mathew, and get tips on their golf game from pro Manolo Vega; Vega shares his expertise as a PGA Tour pro through video clips embedded in the experience. At the bar, users can learn fun Corona facts and discover their drink of choice for the season with simple summer-inspired cocktail recipes to try at home. 

Coinciding with the PGA tour, the Virtual Clubhouse features a chance for visitors to win tickets to the 2023 U.S. Open tournament. The grand prize includes four tickets to the tournament and an all expenses-paid 5-night trip to Los Angeles, along with $4,500 in spending money. Other prizes include various Corona merchandise and golf apparel.

Corona Ticket to Summer

In their Ticket to Summer Virtual Experience, Corona gives visitors the opportunity to embark on an adventure-packed vacation from three different scenes: the ballpark, the beach and out on music-festival grounds. Corona kicks off the experience with a green screen avatar of brand ambassador Snoop Dogg at the will call booth, welcoming users to the experience. Similar to the Virtual Clubhouse experience, consumers are able to shop and learn about signature Corona products and merchandise, play games and enter exclusive sweepstakes. 

For the summer experience, Corona built another custom game for users. As the official cerveza of Major League Baseball is allowing fans to get up to bat in the Home Run Derby Game and hit a home run or two on the field. 

The featured sweepstakes in the summer experience gives fans the chance to make their virtual experiences a reality with three prize bundles–with one lucky winner winning all three. In partnership with the MLB, Corona is sending one prize winner to an MLB 2023 regular season game with two tickets and limited-edition baseball hats. Prize #2 is a travel package worth $2,800 that allows the winner to jet off to a destination of their choice. The last bundle is $400 in concert cash, in collaboration with Live Nation, to be used on a show of their choice.

Corona Holiday Beach Hut

Feliz Navi-Drip it like it’s hot—for the holidays, Corona invites fans to a Christmas outing on the beach in the Holiday Beach Hut with brand ambassador Snoop Dogg, turning their famed holiday commercial into an immersive holiday experience. Visitors are taken to a palm tree-filled beach at sunset, where they can shop classic Corona products, play games, enter sweepstakes and more. 

Around the crackling, virtual bonfire consumers can purchase classic Corona products through multiple retailers such as Drizly or Instacart. Visitors can win a special discount code by playing the custom, arcade-style ornament collection game off into the sunset. Fans can get further in the holiday spirit inside the colorful string light laden beach hut. Here, visitors can watch the iconic holiday ad the experience is modeled after, create a holiday card with Snoop in the photobooth or enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a limited-edition robe, matching Snoop Dogg, designed by Talia Coles—the creative mind behind Snoop’s iconic look in his commercial with the beer brand. 

The Corona virtual experiences are a unique and immersive experience for new and longtime fans to explore products and engage with the brand in a fun and informative way.

To learn more about how Obsess virtual stores can be used to host sweepstakes, and educate and engage consumers, contact our team at contact@obsessVR.com or book a demo.

Virtual Store Spotlight: Babylist Beverly Hills Showroom

In a bid to revolutionize the baby registry experience, Babylist introduced their latest virtual experience—a replica of their Beverly Hills showroom. This two-floor, multi-room photorealistic store introduces a host of interactive features designed to enhance the registry creation process. 

A standout highlight of the experience is the interactive map, designed to guide users through its extensive layout. As users navigate through the store, the progress bar advances to visually mark their journey through different sections, ensuring an intuitive and engaging experience. Upon entering, visitors have the opportunity to schedule in-person appointments, as well as the chance to take part in a sweepstakes for a $500 gift card.

The extensive range of products range from Apparel, Sleep and Travel categories, all accompanied by detailed product descriptions. Shoppers have the convenience of adding these items directly to their registries, streamlining the overall experience. What distinguishes this shopping journey is the social media integration. Throughout the store, users will find strategically placed YouTube How-To tutorials and captivating TikTok videos, spotlighting trending products and influencers.

Babylist Virtual Store: Products and Social Media Integration

The experience further elevates visitor interactions with gamification. For soon-to-be parents, the AI-driven “Baby Name Generator” is a tool that assists in the quest for the perfect baby name. “Guess The Price” is quiz that engages users by determining their level of Babylist expertise. Players are given one change to accurately guess product prices, while also giving them the convenience of adding the same products directly to their registry.

Babylist Virtual Store: Gamification

Looking to create an innovative and engaging digital experience that builds brand affinity while delivering a more memorable, gamified shopping experience? Book a demo!

How 7 Brands Are Engaging Gen Zers with Roblox Experiences

Gaming platforms in the metaverse have become an essential part of younger generations’ daily digital lives as they offer a highly interactive way to connect and socialize virtually, with a heightened focus on personalization. Roblox is one of the largest metaverse platforms at 70 million+ active users daily spending an average of 2.6 hours on the platform, with over half of the Roblox community in Gen Alpha, younger than age 13

The online gaming and open game creation system allows anyone to create and play games. Users of the platform represent themselves as one of two types of avatar styles that Roblox supports. The accessories that Roblox avatars can wear are highly customizable, with an entire Roblox marketplace where people can buy and sell virtual avatar goods with the in-game currency called Robux; 1 in 5 Roblox users update their avatars daily.

Brands can optimize their Roblox experiences by building them with Obsess, and pairing them with a virtual store, empowering consumers to shop both physical and digital products. While the Roblox platform does not currently allow users to purchase physical items in the virtual experience, Obsess-powered virtual stores do via e-commerce integration. Creating a virtual experience that is accessible across platforms extends the reach of a single activation and speaks to different audience groups wherever they are. While Roblox has built-in reach amongst the youngest generation, Obsess enables brands to speak to a broader audience of shoppers in a highly branded, elevated format.

The number of brands and retailers creating experiences and selling virtual goods on Roblox is growing fast, gaining attention from high-profile multinational brands looking to reach its highly-engaged, youthful audience. In Q2 of 2023, users spent an average of $11.92 a day on the platform. The gaming platform reported $2.2 billion in annual revenue in 2022, up 16% from 2021. Roblox monetizes experiences by allowing brands and creators to sell digital items in their in-game stores or on its avatar marketplace in return for its virtual currency, which users can purchase using real-world money. 

Here are some experiences that brands have already created on Roblox:

1. The Ralph Lauren Winter Escape

Ralph Lauren ventured into Roblox with a limited-term experience called “The Ralph Lauren Winter Escape” that offered a digital collection of gender-neutral clothing. Avatars could wear up to eight sportswear looks and select items from the current collections. Ralph Lauren’s Roblox experience had new product drops on a weekly basis, from new looks to limited-edition accessories and surprise bonus items. Christina Wooton, Roblox’s Vice President for Global Partnerships, commented, “This new digital experience is meant to further express Ralph Lauren’s focus on digital innovation, following its virtual store experience [by Obsess] that debuted in 2020 allowing you to shop via AR.”

2. Crocs World: Tycoon

Crocs World: Tycoon on Roblox allows players to harness the power of imagination and personalization in a park revolving around the iconic footwear—with custom colors, shapes and Jibbitz charms. Players can explore the beach-themed park in a Crocs Car or via Crocs Jetpack and earn likes within the game to unlock new attractions and customization possibilities. Further leaning into personalization in their virtual endeavors, Crocs launched their Jibbitz Experience with Obsess, centered around self-expression, gamification and education. The Obsess-powered virtual experience showcases the brand’s iconic Jibbitz charms with innovative features such as the custom-built claw game and the groundbreaking 3D Jibbitz Customizer, empowering consumers to create their own unique pair of Crocs to be purchased directly in the virtual environment.

3. Nikeland

Nike created their Roblox experience as a permanent virtual space for fans to connect, create and compete, empowering users to be their own creator and design mini-games from interactive sports materials. Users can also compete in various mini-games such as tag, the floor is lava and dodgeball with their friends. Nikeland leverages accelerometers on a user’s mobile device to translate offline movement to online. Users can also get signature Nike sneakers for their avatars from the virtual shop.

4. Forever 21 Shop City

Forever 21 created their Shop City Roblox experience to facilitate social engagement, competition and collaboration with fashion-fabulous content creators and Roblox influencers. Users are able to buy and sell Forever 21 merchandise, hire non-player characters (NPCs) as employees and customize every aspect of their own stores as they compete to become the top shop. Roblox influencers curated the Shop City fashion line in partnership with the brand to create exclusive items to sell within the platform, selling millions of units.

5. Walmart Land

Walmart brought the best of their isles to life in a virtual world, with a variety of immersive experiences including a virtual store of merchandising—bringing the best fashion, style, beauty and entertainment items to the Roblox community. “We’re showing up in a big way—creating community, content, entertainment and games through the launch of Walmart Land. Roblox is one of the fastest growing and largest platforms in the metaverse, and we know our customers are spending loads of time there. So, we’re focusing on creating new and innovative experiences that excite them,” said William White, CMO of Walmart U.S.

6. Gucci Garden

The Gucci Garden Roblox experience was a pop-up styled as a series of themed-rooms where the users’ avatars transform according to a room’s colors, patterns, and special effects. Users could interact with others who were in the same room at the same time. Users could also purchase limited-edition virtual Gucci items for their avatars. One virtual item, the bee-embroidered Dionysus Bag, sold for 350,000 Robux or $4,115 more than the price of the physical bag in the virtual second-hand market where bids on the bag skyrocketed.

7. Tommy Play

Tommy Hilfiger introduced Tommy Play to Roblox as a virtual place for users to play and socialize. The virtual world includes mini-games and Tommy Coins to exchange for upgrades, special abilities and accessories—the iconic brand even created a virtual clothing collection for the Roblox platform, asking user-generated content creators from the Roblox community to reimagine their classic pieces.

Roblox provides a huge opportunity for brands to engage younger generations in the metaverse. Forward-thinking brands are setting up virtual worlds in Roblox and on their own websites, such as with virtual stores. Learn more about how Obsess can help you create your virtual world and sell products on Roblox. 

Virtual Store Spotlight: Virtual Disney 100 x Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Wonderland

Introducing the latest milestone in our longstanding partnership with Charlotte Tilbury—the Virtual Disney 100 x Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Wonderland. This collaboration is a captivating immersive beauty shopping experience honoring Disney’s 100th anniversary and their limited edition co-branded collection with Charlotte Tilbury. The experience features 3D Branded Avatars that shoppers can customize with makeup looks inspired by 10 beloved Disney characters.

The heart of the immersive experience is Obsess’ proprietary Branded Avatars technology, which was introduced in collaboration with Charlotte Tilbury last year. Branded Avatars revolutionize the way customers connect with brands, allowing them to curate their avatar’s physical traits and style, providing a uniquely personalized shopping experience. This technology has been further refined and expanded to provide users with a heightened level of personalization and lifelike movement. The avatar customizer now features a new editing panel that allows users to see how their customized looks appear in the world they are immersed in, creating a seamlessly gamified shopping experience.

Visitors can immerse themselves in an enchanting realm where they can explore and virtually try on limited-edition Charlotte Tilbury products inspired by the magical world of Disney, such as the Limited Edition Disney 100 Light Wand highlighter. Consumers can also customize their Branded Avatars to wear the character-inspired makeup products—transforming themselves into the Disney characters they love. Consumers who are looking to find which makeup looks best fits them can look no further than the look-matching quiz that provides personalized product assortment recommendations inspired by iconic Disney characters.

The experience extends beyond shopping, incorporating elements of gamification that engage and captivate visitors. Using their customized avatars, consumers can play the one-of-a-kind virtual garden maze racing game, challenging their skills and speed as they navigate through the maze to reach the center. The reward for success? The chance to win the complete Disney 100 x Charlotte Tilbury limited edition product collection, allowing consumers to dive deeper into the world of Disney and Charlotte Tilbury Beauty.

Want to create an innovative and engaging digital experience that builds brand affinity while delivering a more memorable, gamified shopping experience? Book a demo to discover our virtual store platform.