Myer creates virtual reality department store

Australian retailer Myer in partnership with eBay has launched the world’s first virtual reality department store that enables consumers to explore and shop products merely by using their eyes.

Using the eBay Sight Search app that works with virtual reality headsets like Samsung's Gear VR and Google Cardboard, shoppers can browse and experience more than 12,500 products in 2D from Myer, with 100 of the top products being viewable in 3D.

The experience isn’t like walking into an actual store, rather like stepping inside the internet, with the products and descriptions floating around when a user wants to see more they simply select by sight, holding their gaze on the item for a number of seconds, rather than needing hand controls.

Items can be added to the basket, by simply using eye contact, but to buy, users need to take off the headset and return to the eBay app to process payment.

Jooman Park, managing director eBay Australia and New Zealand said: “Until now we have not had the opportunity to physically experience the transformative effect VR could have on retail. By building the world’s first VR Department Store here in Australia and observing the reactions of thousands of consumers who trial the experience, we have the opportunity to lead the world into the next phase of retailing.

“It’s been important to us that we don’t just replicate the e-commerce experience in a virtual environment. We are taking the best elements of traditional retail and expanding on them to improve browsing, selection, personalisation and efficiency.”

Myer chief executive and managing director, Richard Umbers added: “This exciting collaboration with eBay reaffirms our commitment to omnichannel and building a truly contemporary and innovative retail offer.

“Our customers can now immerse themselves in the experience of shopping inside a Myer store from wherever they may be, with product information updated in real time to ensure everyone can keep up with the latest offers from Myer. This really showcases a department store that can bring the love of shopping to life across both physical and digital environments.”

Myer is also offering customers the opportunity to receive their own shopticals, specially designed virtual reality viewers, to start their VR shopping experience, with 15,000 being made available for free.

Images: Courtesy of eBay Australia and Myer