Obsess has been acquired by Infinite Reality. Learn more [here](https://www.theinfinitereality.com/news/infinite-reality-enters-into-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-virtual-shopping-platform-obsess).
Obsess has been acquired by Infinite Reality. Learn more [here](https://www.theinfinitereality.com/news/infinite-reality-enters-into-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-virtual-shopping-platform-obsess).
Virtual tours enable real estate firms to reach potential buyers and empower them to make more informed decisions, shortening the real estate sales cycle and increasing occupancy rates. With 3D digital visualizations, buyers can virtually visit a site with interactive visualizations, even before construction is complete on the physical location. Obsess’ solution helps real estate firms increase project profitability and ROI for new developments, reducing the time a property stays vacant on the market.
Similar to IRL walkthroughs of a property, 3D virtual listings bolster buyer confidence with photo-realistic visuals at every viewpoint. Traditionally, stakeholders — from investors to prospective tenants — have had to rely on blueprints, 2D renderings, and physical models to understand a property’s potential. Virtual reality technology changes this paradigm by allowing buyers to step into a virtual representation of the space.
CRE Digital Twins: New Developments Tours
For new developments, a digital twin is invaluable as it means potential buyers are able to explore every facet of a building long before it’s constructed. Between 3D floor plans, rendered amenities and neighborhood visualizations, buyers can experience the digital twin from every viewpoint in lifelike detail. A digital twin enables prospective buyers to virtually tour the building in real time, at any time.
CRE firms can proactively address factors that influence decision making such as building amenities and neighborhood information in a digestible, interactive and immersive format, enhancing the online listing of any new construction property. With a comprehensive 360 virtual tour, developers can offer potential tenants an experience that goes beyond mere descriptions and static images.
An immersive and interactive experience enhances understanding and accelerates buyer decision-making processes by providing a realistic preview of the end product and empowering buyers to visualize the space as their own before they step on-site. According to a case study with JLL, immersive digital experiences have proven to reduce real estate transaction times by up to 85% for built properties. Obsess created our immersive digital experience solution for new developments, as we believe these properties deserve the same advantage.
Virtual Reality Proptech & VR Staging on Your Website
One of the most significant advantages VR brings to CRE firms is its ability to offer potential buyers unparalleled visualization capabilities, virtually staging unfinished projects in contextual settings. Obsess virtual tours bring the power of virtual reality in commercial real estate straight to the web and mobile (no specialty devices or apps necessary), empowering firms to enhance virtual staging capabilities with 3D configurations and visualization tools.
Virtual stagings can showcase different design options, engaging potential clients on a deeper level and allowing them to envision themselves within the space. VR in proptech empowers the buyer to personalize the space before moving in—they are able to swap everything from decor to finishes with different configurations from photorealistic visualization tools in real estate. Interactive customizations also make it easier for CRE firms to upsell as buyers obtain a premium for curating their personal mix of flooring, finishes and more to be constructed.
Obsess virtual tours enable brokerage and development firms in commercial and residential real estate to incorporate virtual reality into their digital sales strategy, increasing marketing reach for new construction projects. Firms are able to share immersive property listings with potential customers and investors via web URLs, or directly on their websites. Even before construction is complete, CRE firms are able to create comprehensive 360 virtual tours of the project. Digital twins uplift real estate buyer confidence and empower them to visualize a space as their own before they step on-site.
To learn more about how Obsess virtual experiences can be used by the real estate industry to increase buyer confidence and elevate property listings, email us at contact@obsessvr.com or book a demo.
On the stage at Shoptalk Barcelona 2024, Obsess CEO and Founder Neha Singh joined leaders from Microsoft and Deloitte to discuss how retailers can create Engaging Digital Shopping Technologies that capture and retain customers.
The panel delved into new technologies that offer retailers the ability to create immersive and seamless customer experiences, like virtual stores. Obsess showcased our interactive solutions for memorable brand experiences, enabling brands and retailers to create shoppable, 3D branded worlds on Web, Roblox and Apple Vision Pro.
Evolution of E-Commerce to Interactive Shopping
The panelists were asked to provide some insight on how immersive experiences were impacting traditional e-commerce elements—and whether or not they will remain foundational or become obsolete.
As retail technology continues to advance, it is increasingly becoming easier for brands to adopt innovative solutions that enhance the customer experience online. Retailers and brands are embracing engaging digital technologies and interactive shopping solutions, such as virtual stores, to offer customers a more immersive and personalized shopping journey. However, it is also important to keep traditional elements to provide a familiar framework that increases guidance and information.
Traditional elements in e-commerce, such as navigational cues and Product Listing Pages, remain foundational as retail technology evolves, helping to make the advancements more intuitive and interactive. For virtual stores, navigational elements empower shoppers to explore a new discovery-driven environment, appearing in a variety of forms to guide the user in their journey, such as interactive maps, directional arrows and welcoming tooltips. Immersive environments more closely resemble the real life shopping experience, bringing intuitive context to a digital space.
Product Listing Pages have also persisted in interactive shopping interfaces. Obsess-powered virtual experiences have an e-commerce integration feature for brands and retailers to pull up-to-date product information, such as inventory, and attach it to products displayed in the virtual storefront. In immersive online shopping experiences, including familiar e-commerce elements empowers brands to create new, dynamic interfaces that are easy for shoppers to adapt to.
Measuring the Success of Immersive Virtual Shops
The panelists agreed: it is necessary for brands and retailers to revolutionize their e-commerce strategy due to the shortened consumer attention span, and that content produced has to be more grandiose and strategic in order to capture shoppers’ attention and loyalty.
By leveraging technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality, brands can capture and retain customers with exclusive content in a unique format. When measuring the success of their immersive virtual storefronts, brands and retailers can use a variety of metrics, including brand recall and customer lifetime value.
Innovative Brand Marketing to Capture Shoppers’ Attention
Virtual reality technology can be used to uplevel brand marketing strategies, and help brands differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market. For example, hair care brand, K18, partnered with Obsess to create their virtual Magic Science Bus, transforming their traditional 3D e-commerce assets into a memorable, interactive experience that spanned web, mobile and virtual reality through Meta Quest. The highly visual and gamified experience provided an extra layer of immersion and memorability for the brand’s live events. Download the case study to learn more about how K18 differentiated themselves in a saturated hair care market.
Reinforcing Customer Loyalty and Building Deeper Connections
In the long run, a successful investment in engaging digital shopping technology can be measured by customer lifetime value, a long-time emotional connection with the buyer. There are also a few short-term loyalty metrics that can be tracked in virtual stores, such as email and SMS opt-in rate (for brands that integrate their CMS), return rate and brand affinity. A global beauty brand, for example, used their virtual store to reinforce retention and improve brand loyalty by providing VIP customers with exclusive content and brand experiences, resulting in a 164% uptick in daily visitors for VIP Launches. Download the case study to learn more.
The discussion at Shoptalk Europe 2024 highlighted the importance for retailers to adopt Engaging Digital Shopping Technologies in order to capture and retain customers, and push the boundaries of e-commerce as we know it today with inspirational, immersive and seamless customer experiences. Email us at contact@obsessvr.com or book a demo to see what Obsess can do for your brand.
Consumer behaviors and expectations in today’s digitally-native world are evolving rapidly, prompting brands across industries to adopt innovative approaches to capture and retain consumer attention. Leading this charge are virtual storefronts, but what exactly are these digital shopping experiences?
A virtual storefront is an immersive, 3D-rendered experience accessible across various platforms. It empowers shoppers to browse, interact with, and purchase products in a visually compelling, interactive, and innovative digital environment.
Obsess has created over 350 of these experiences across various industries like fashion, beauty, CPG & grocery, home & furniture and more. These experiences are built to be responsive across web and mobile, and can be extended to spatial computing with Apple Vision Pro or on gaming platforms like Roblox.
Whenever a brand has a calendar event, product launch, or storytelling moment, these virtual experiences serve as excellent brand marketing touchpoints. They can also function as digital twins of physical stores, as demonstrated by Ralph Lauren and Babylist‘s virtualized flagships, extending the store experience to consumers beyond physical reach. They also extend the ROI of a brand’s IRL locations on a global scale.
Pop-ups for special brand moments drive digital engagement and relevance. For instance, J.Crew created a holiday virtual store to stand out during the busy holiday season, while Laneige updates its immersive experience with newly launched products and fresh content seasonally. With their versatility and potential, virtual stores are reshaping the retail landscape, providing brands with innovative ways to connect with consumers in our increasingly digital world.
All in all, virtual storefronts are dynamically paving the way for a more immersive and exciting digital future. Read about them in further detail here.
Obsess has built an out-of-the-box integration with Salesforce, enabling faster synchronous omnichannel deployment for Salesforce Commerce Cloud customers. The cartridge enables SFCC customers to easily integrate virtual stores into their e-commerce sites, syncing product data and enabling a seamless virtual store checkout experience on mobile/desktop. Brands are also able to extend their shoppable virtual experiences beyond mobile to new platforms like Apple Vision Pro.
Integrating with Salesforce Commerce Cloud
The Obsess/Salesforce partnership begins with the out-of-the-box cartridge that enables Salesforce customers to integrate their Commerce Cloud site with an Obsess-powered virtual store, and pull up-to-date product information–extending their virtual storefront to the next generation of 3D experiential shopping. The Obsess/Salesforce API syncs product details into a virtual store, keeps inventory updated in real time and creates a seamless checkout experience for customers.
As a partner solution to Salesforce Commerce Cloud, the pre-built integration from Salesforce commerce API ensures an easy integration and faster time to launch. Brands can easily change and add new products in their virtual store from their Commerce back end.
Salesforce Customers on Apple Vision Pro
Obsess was the first platform to enable brands on Salesforce Commerce Cloud to create shoppable visionOS apps for Apple Vision Pro.
Obsess partnered with Salesforce Commerce Cloud customers J.Crew and e.l.f Cosmetics to launch their fully immersive, interactive, 3D shoppable apps on Apple Vision Pro. Apple Vision Pro is the latest and greatest device in spatial computing and Obsess and Salesforce’s shared commitment to innovation ensures that both platforms are compatible with the newest technology in the industry.
We are excited to be an official Salesforce partner, and to be Storefront Reference Architecture Certified. For more information on the Obsess Virtual Stores Cartridge for B2C Commerce, visit the Salesforce AppExchange listing here.
Obsess creates virtual stores and experiences that help brands enhance storytelling, elevate e-commerce experiences and connect with customers in a whole new way. Obsess virtual stores transcend the traditional grid-like interface of an e-commerce site and convert it into an interactive and contextual 3D environment. Virtual stores live on a brand’s e-commerce site, and are accessible anywhere with a browser—no headset or special device required.
In the dynamic realm of marketing, staying ahead of the curve is necessary for brands to captivate audiences and enhance consumer experiences. As behaviors evolve and attention spans continue to shrink, brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage their audience. Enter: immersive virtual branding experiences.
Creative Brand Expression in VR
Generate brand awareness and improve brand sentiment with unique experiences that express your brand’s identity in a creative forum. Rekindle interest and bring your brand to the forefront of consumers’ minds with immersive virtual experiences, and allow them to step into your virtual brand world.
Virtual reality has revolutionized the landscape of brand marketing, offering brands the technology to reinvigorate their marketing strategies. With immersive branding experiences, brands and retailers are able to experiment with a new content format, showcase their story in a unique way and provide consumers with a personalized retail experience. Innovative brand marketing techniques, such as the use of VR, enables you to express your brand in a way that transcends the limitation of traditional marketing techniques.
Transport your consumers into your virtual world and forge deeper relationships—allow your shoppers to interact with products, explore the environment and engage with your brand narrative. By embracing VR, brands can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace and leave a lasting impression on shoppers.
For their 40th anniversary, American fashion brand J.Crew partnered with Obsess to create a virtual experience to celebrate their history. The virtual flagship experience not only highlighted their products in classic-themed print rooms, but also showcased the last 40 years of their business through engaging features. Consumers were able to test their J.Crew knowledge through the pop quiz, participate in a scavenger hunt to unlock access to a secret lighthouse and archival photos from past catalogs. In addition to the virtual flagship store, hosted on their website, J.Crew also released a visionOS app in partnership with Obsess on Apple Vision Pro, to immerse new customers into their brand world.
Engagement Redefined: Brand Building
In a world inundated with advertisements, VR offers brands the ability to not only capture consumers’ attention but retain it, providing an unparalleled level of engagement. Through immersive storytelling and interactive experiences, brands can captivate audiences in ways previously unimaginable. Whether it’s taking a virtual tour of a product or participating in branded adventures, consumers become active participants rather than passive observers, fostering a sense of connection and improving customer loyalty.
One of the key advantages of VR in brand marketing is its ability to deliver personalized experiences at scale. By collecting data on user interactions within virtual environments, brands can tailor content based on individual preferences, behaviors, and demographics. This level of customization enhances relevance and resonance, driving higher conversion rates and brand affinity.
Cult-favorite beauty brand Laneige used their virtual shopping experience to showcase their whimsical heritage and scientific expertise in a fully immersive fantastical environment. Each product line is highlighted in its own room, filled with engaging features such as guided navigation through the experience, gamification, a seamless add to cart experience and a behind-the-scenes look at their marketing campaign, featuring brand ambassador Sydney Sweeney.
“The virtual store is a powerful customer engagement tool that will allow shoppers to dive into Laneige’s unique scientific expertise and entertaining digital content, while also helping them select the right product for their skin needs,” said Julien Bouzitat, CMO of Laneige’s parent company AmorePacific U.S.
In an increasingly digital world, brands must embrace innovation to stay relevant. Virtual reality technology represents a paradigm shift in retail brand marketing, offering unprecedented opportunities for engagement, personalization and creativity. By leveraging VR in their brand marketing strategies, brands can break free from the constraints of traditional marketing channels and create immersive experiences that resonate with consumers on a deeper level. In the age of immersive branding, the possibilities are limitless, and the brands that dare to embrace VR will undoubtedly lead the way.
On the 2024 stages of NRF, eTail, Shoptalk and beyond, industry experts discussed the disruptive virtual retail trends and challenges retail leaders should be addressing—in particular, how the former-buzzword “AI” has now become an integral part of the retail landscape. Obsess was on the ground at all of these events, and we’ve pulled the top three recurring themes on the minds of retailers today:
1. Retail is Embracing the AI Advantage
In the fast-paced world of retail, staying ahead of the curve is non-negotiable. Forward-thinking companies are investing in AI to streamline operational processes, advance personalization strategies, build predictive analytics and more—revolutionizing retail and driving cross-functional efficiency through a variety of use cases. Retailers are particularly fond of leaning into the virtual retail trend of artificial intelligence as a means of enhancing the customer experience and increasing internal efficiencies. Whether it’s with the introduction of AI virtual assistants or the creation of AI-enabled content, there are several ways brands can adopt artificial intelligence that enhances shopper engagement.
2. Elevating Experiences with Personalization
Brands are increasingly discovering the importance of treating consumers as individuals rather than datasets. Retailers are now shifting away from a linear customer funnel to a dynamic one distinctly impacted by the various touchpoints and interactions shoppers have with brands.
Everyone’s shopping journey is different. A major focus for brands and retailers is to develop a consumer-centric approach to online shopping, emphasizing genuine dialogue and empathetic personalization. The key to empathetic personalization is to deeply understand and connect with consumers, and cater to their individual needs and preferences to enhance their experience. Brands are leveraging technologies like AI and 3D visualization such as product customization features to offer these tailored experiences, and gain insight into consumer demand. Brands can utilize AI to empower consumers by integrating AI-powered recommendation engines to curate product recommendations, forging hyper-personalized shopper journeys online.
Another way to elevate a shopper’s experience with a brand is to deliver a unified and seamless experience across all channels, online and offline. The modern consumer knows what they want, and it’s up to the brand to meet them where they are with a consistent presence.
3. Social Commerce and the Power of Play
The rise of social commerce and gamification in retail is rooted in Gen Z’s online behaviors, leaning toward concise content, peer reviews and cultural cues. Consumer behaviors are shifting toward small-screen entertainment, with social media platforms becoming key channels for discovery and shopping. Social media is inherently community-focused and hyper-engaging, providing brands with an opportune platform to reach fans and new shoppers. Shoppable video and social commerce’s rise to prominence offers brands new opportunities to engage with consumers and build community.
Incorporating gamification into retail experiences is also essential. Gaming elements are hyper-engaging and make shopping experiences more interactive, catering to the preferences of the gaming-native audience. More than 80% of today’s consumers classify themselves as gamers, and for Gen Z, it’s over 90%. Many brands have opted to leverage game play by creating brand experiences on gaming platforms like Roblox, which has a massive user base primarily of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Hair care brand, amika, recently launched their Roblox experience, the amikaverse, with Obsess—a vibrant gamified environment where the brand can engage their young consumers.
How to Keep Up With (Or, Really…Stay Ahead Of) the Consumer
The age old challenge in retail. The modern consumer’s rapidly rising expectations are outpacing many retailers’ and brands’ ability to adapt. With customer experiences and expectations top of mind for retail leaders, many are turning to innovative technologies and leaning into virtual retail trends to meet demands. From artificial intelligence to 3D visualization and gamified commerce, retail’s tech stack is ever evolving in order to give consumers what they want, where they want it.
With patented 3D technology, Obsess is enabling brands and retailers to engage shoppers with bespoke AI-powered 3D virtual stores on their own websites as well as Roblox and Apple Vision Pro. Virtual stores are able to host a slew of interactive features, custom to the brand’s identity. From gamification and personalized quizzes to product customization and AI-powered virtual assistants, each feature aims to increase customer engagement, brand loyalty and conversion. Email us at contact@obsessvr.com or book a demo to learn more about how Obsess’ immersive shopping platform can help your brand stay ahead of the consumer.
Branded experiences on Roblox are revolutionizing the way companies engage with younger, digitally-native audiences. For brands aiming to connect with the next generation, understanding and participating in this vibrant ecosystem is not just advantageous; it’s imperative. With over 70 million daily active users, Roblox presents a dynamic platform where the boundaries between gaming, social interaction and digital commerce blur—offering companies a vibrant space to engage a community of highly attentive consumers.
What Are Roblox Experiences?
At the heart of Roblox lies a diverse array of user-generated games and virtual environments, collectively known as Roblox experiences. These are not just games but immersive worlds where users can explore, create and interact. This dynamic blend of entertainment and creativity makes Roblox a unique platform for users and creators alike.
Why Brands Should Consider Roblox
Roblox presents an unparalleled opportunity for brands to engage with a vast, engaged audience. With millions of daily users, the platform offers:
Reach: Roblox’s massive, global user base comprises primarily Gen Z, Gen Alpha and younger millennials, providing direct access to hard-to-reach demographics that are less responsive to traditional media.
Engagement:The interactive nature of Roblox experiences fosters deep engagement, allowing brands to build stronger connections with their audience.
Innovation: Roblox is at the cutting edge of digital interaction, offering brands a space to innovate and experiment with new forms of engagement and storytelling.
Collaborating with a specialized partner like Obsess can help brands navigate Roblox’s complexities to create custom, branded experiences that resonate with audiences. By harnessing Obsess’s expertise, brands like Brooklyn-based haircare brand amika have successfully entered Roblox, offering engaging content that aligns with their brand narrative and overall marketing objectives.
Considerations When Building on Roblox
To maximize the impact of a Roblox experience, consider the following:
Engagement is Key:Design your space to encourage interaction and exploration, making it memorable and shareable.
Social Features Matter: Utilize Roblox’s social capabilities to promote community building and user-generated content, amplifying your brand’s reach.
Stay Authentic: Ensure your Roblox presence aligns with your brand’s values and aesthetic, creating a cohesive and authentic experience.
Take Advantage of UGC:Roblox allows brands to sell branded digital items for user avatars. Any avatar accessory (also called a “UGC” in Roblox) can be sold as a digital item in a brand’s Roblox experience—from clothing to shoes, handbags, hats, sunglasses, jewelry and even makeup looks and hairstyles. Once a Roblox user purchases an item, they can wear it to all Roblox experiences where other users will see their outfit, hence increasing brand awareness and encouraging others to purchase the same item from your store.
Why Build a Branded Experience on Roblox?
60% of Roblox users are Gen Z. The collection of apps on the platform enables highly engaging virtual gaming worlds, which brands can leverage to reach new audiences and increase loyalty.
Obsess works with Roblox to create shoppable, focused, high fidelity virtual stores that give brands a more seamless and manageable entry point onto the platform. While traditional Roblox worlds focus on incentivizing game play, Obsess-powered virtual stores in Roblox leverage gamification and tactical merchandising to promote purchases.
Examples of Roblox Experiences Created by Brands
Brands, such as Nike, Gucci, Forever 21 and Walmart have all created experiences in Roblox to extend their brand story to a new audience. See how these brands and more are engaging Gen Z with Roblox experiences: https://obsessar.com/blog-roblox-brand-experiences/.
How to Maximize ROI in Roblox
To maximize ROI on Roblox, brands can work with Obsess to create a data-backed store layout that encourages product sales—all based on Obsess’s 3D spatial data from over 300 other virtual stores. This is a new type of experience for the Roblox platform; one that prioritizes shopping and tactical merchandising.
Brands can also distribute their Roblox virtual store across multiple channels and devices. Every Obsess virtual store can be released across mobile and desktop on a brand’s website, plus spatial computing and VR/AR devices like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest.
Ready to Learn More? Book a demo with Obsess to learn more about how to get started with building a shopping-focused Roblox experience for your brand.
At eTail West 2024, Obsess’ CEO and Founder, Neha Singh, joined a panel with retail leaders from Nike and ThirdLove to discuss the evolution of online retail and its future. The conversation, centered on attracting and engaging the next generation of consumers, took a deep dive into some of the innovative strategies that are setting new benchmarks for the industry.
Neha’s participation was driven by Obsess’ commitment to understanding the unique shopping preferences and digital behaviors of younger consumers. This demographic’s expectations are shaped by rapid technological advancements and a seamless blend of online and offline experiences. The panel provided a platform to discuss how brands are pioneering new ways to captivate this audience.
Leading with Virtual Stores in a Gaming-Native World
One of the highlights of the discussion was the emphasis on virtual stores and their significance in engaging a gaming-native audience.
With more than 80% of consumers today saying that they play video games, and an even higher percentage for Gen Z, the integration of gamification into shopping experiences is not just innovative—it’s essential. Obsess’ virtual store platform represents the forefront of this integration, offering immersive, interactive environments that draw on the engagement mechanics of video games.
During the panel, Neha shared how Obsess-powered virtual stores are designed to make shopping more dynamic and personalized, incorporating features like in-scene videos, dynamic merchandising and AI-powered content. This approach resonates deeply with a demographic that values engaging, interactive digital experiences, bridging the gap between gaming and shopping to create a memorable, captivating online environment.
The Future of Shoppable Video and AI Personalization
The panel also discussed the untapped potential of shoppable video in the U.S. and the transformative impact it has had in other markets. The conversation ventured into the role of AI in retail, particularly in personalizing the shopping journey.
At Obsess, we’re leveraging AI to revolutionize how consumers discover products, using new technologies such as virtual assistants and AI-powered recommendation engines that provide tailored shopping experiences. This technology is instrumental in meeting the demands for personalization among younger consumers, offering them recommendations and experiences that align with their unique preferences and shopping behaviors.
Shaping the Future of Online Retail
The discussions at eTail West 2024 underscored the transformative impact of emerging technologies on online retail. As companies continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in e-commerce, online customer experiences will only continue to get better and more akin to real life.
By embracing new technologies, such as 3D virtual stores and AI-driven personalization, brands are poised to not only respond to the evolving needs of the next generation of consumers; they will actively lead retail into its next era.
The arrival of Apple Vision Pro ushers in a new era of spatial computing for retail. Popularized by Apple with the launch of Apple Vision Pro, the term spatial computing refers to the human-computer interaction perceived by users to be taking place in their own reality rather than through a screen. Driven by enhanced processors, ultra-high definition and global network speeds, Apple Vision Pro blends digital content with the user’s physical space.
The highly-anticipated launch of Apple Vision Pro proved to be an exciting opportunity for fashion, luxury and beauty brands to cement their statuses as pioneers in immersive retail technology. Apple Vision Pro and spatial computing devices offer users a more straightforward, instinctive and human-centric approach to interacting with technology that brands utilize to create immersive e-commerce experiences that mimic real-world shopping. Innovative brands are zeroing in on their spatial computing strategies, to capitalize on the hype around Apple Vision Pro—signaling a pivotal step toward popularizing spatial technology and 3D digital interfaces for retailers. Here’s why retailers are choosing to invest in spatial computing and immersive shopping experiences:
A New Platform, A New Type of Shopper
As with other Apple devices, the early apps in the App Store will have the highest rate of downloads. The Apple Vision Pro launch is a new opportunity for brands to target tech-savvy, affluent new customers in a completely different way—and they can do so during a buzzworthy launch period.
Brands such as J.Crew, Mytheresa, Alo Yoga and e.l.f. Cosmetics recently partnered with Obsess to launch their visionOS shopping apps with the arrival of the device—marking a milestone for retail technology. Each of the apps incorporates the best of Apple’s latest technology such as progressive immersion, high definition 4K displays, spatial audio and interactions via intuitive hand and eye movements. Obsess taps into these capabilities to create highly immersive, dynamic branded shopping experiences for what promises to be the next iPhone moment.
Embrace Experience Through Spatial Computing
Spatial computing devices promise revolutionary immersive experiences akin to human interactions in real-life. By using the full 360 space around a user, products can be displayed at life-size or larger-than-life size. With the ultra-high resolution 4k display in each eye of Apple Vision Pro, customers are able to visualize products and brand storytelling visuals at a higher fidelity and detail than they ever could ever see before on their phones or computers. Brands can use this as an opportunity to introduce a new means of product discovery and interaction for shoppers.
For example, Alo Yoga recreated four different settings in their “alo Sanctuary” app, letting users visualize products in a contextual environment that transcends traditional e-commerce and fosters consumer engagement. Vision Pro users can interact with life-size, styled mannequins and physically pull them closer to examine the products at a granular level. Their experience represents a new era of online shopping by combining immersive technology with wellness, aiming to create deeper consumer connections and drive more holistic, contextual storytelling. Alo incorporated wellness into their shopping experience by offering over 20 complimentary meditation sessions from Alo Moves, their wellness platform which was previously only offered to paying subscribers.
e.l.f. Cosmetics also embraces experience beyond browsing with their visionOS shopping app, “your best e.l.f.”—creating a space for the brand’s community to deepen their relationship with the brand through immersive exploration and branded games. Users are invited to explore three distinct environments, each themed after a product within the app. In addition to shopping via Apple Pay, users can participate in activities such as guided meditations, stretching exercises and a “Paint by Numbers” game. The spatial experience encourages users to unwind and explore the best versions of themselves through playful, inspirational environments that contextualize an assortment of 3D e.l.f. products.
Make the Shopping Experience More Human
Apple Vision Pro offers groundbreaking social technology with SharePlay, a feature that enables users who are not physically in the same location to feel as if they are sitting next to each other and having a shared experience. Obsess can develop immersive shopping experiences for visionOS that include digital clienteling, enabling high-value customers and sales associates to interact with each other and with products in a shared virtual environment. Imagine a virtual stylist recommending looks based on your color tones and preferences, all within the app.
J.Crew’s “Virtual Closet” is an immersive shopping experience that empowers personalized shopping from multiple avenues. From the interactive mannequin to SharePlay capabilities, the brand is leveraging spatial computing to personalize the shopping experience like never before. With the interactive mannequin, users can mix and match a curated selection of products; through intuitive hand and eye movements, Vision Pro users can browse a selection of items and create their own ideal outfit for any occasion. J.Crew is utilizing social shopping capabilities by incorporating Apple’s SharePlay into their app. With this feature, users can virtually call a J.Crew styling expert or host group calls to get other’s opinions on looks while in the experience.
Luxury retailer Mytheresa will also soon enable their top shoppers to experience a curated styling session with personal shoppers in their visionOS app. The “Mytheresa, Immersive Luxury App” transports users to luxury shopping destinations such as Capri, Italy and Paris, France in hyper-realistic immersive environments. Visitors can browse curated edits in immersive product carousels amidst contextual environments. Selections are continuously updated with new launches and capsule collections. The digital clienteling capabilities, soon to be released, will up-level their current experience to become even more personalized and social.
Immersive Shopping Experiences for Apple Vision Pro
Obsess is bringing brands and retailers into the era of spatial computing by developing immersive shopping apps for Apple Vision Pro, furthering our mission to create the next-generation online shopping interface. Along with the launch of the device, Obsess designed, developed and released four new immersive visionOS shopping apps—including the premiere fashion, beauty and luxury shopping apps. These four apps are ushering in a new era for retail, fueled by a soon-to-be ubiquitous appetite for spatial computing.
Brands can work with Obsess to conceptualize, design and develop their visionOS apps and immersive browser-based experiences, including virtual stores. Obsess virtual stores are built for cross-platform distribution, which means that any of the stores that Obsess builds for Apple Vision Pro can be replicated for web and mobile and vice versa—increasing overall ROI and reach. These experiences can also be optimized and reimagined for other platforms, such as Roblox and Meta Quest, which reach different user bases.
If you’re interested in joining the spatial computing frontier and want to create an experience for Apple Vision Pro for your brand, book a demo or send a message to contact@obsessvr.com today.
The secret is out: Obsess has designed, developed and released five new immersive shopping apps for the just-released Apple Vision Pro spatial computer—including the premiere fashion, beauty and luxury shopping apps. Each of the spatial computing apps incorporates the best of Apple’s latest technology—such as progressive immersion, high definition 4K displays, spatial audio, interactions via intuitive hand and eye movements, SharePlay and a blend of digital content with the physical space around you.
We are proud to say that this milestone not only marks a significant leap in furthering our mission to create the next generation online shopping interface, but also an advancement for the world of retail technology, in general. These first-of-their-kind apps are ushering in a new era for retail, fueled by a soon-to-be ubiquitous appetite for spatial computing.
We have partnered with pioneers at leading retail brands—including J.Crew, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Mytheresa, Alo Yoga and RIMOWA—to bring these visionOS apps to life.
Read on to peek inside each of the apps and their groundbreaking features. All apps are available to download for free from the App Store for Apple Vision Pro.
J.Crew Virtual Closet App
Our collaboration with J.Crew has led to the creation of the Virtual Closet app, a groundbreaking fusion of timeless fashion and cutting-edge technology. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1990s film Clueless, we’ve transformed the long-desired concept of a virtual wardrobe into a tangible, life-size reality. Users can effortlessly mix and match outfits for any occasion, utilizing intuitive hand and eye gestures. This app also debuts the integration of SharePlay technology, setting a new standard for digital clienteling.
SharePlay includes a powerful set of features for shared experiences while on a FaceTime call through Vision Pro. The J.Crew app leverages a digitized version of a person (and their subtle facial expressions and gestures) to allow them to activate one-on-one video calls with J.Crew’s expert stylists or host group video chats to get others’ opinions on looks. When one person creates an outfit, the other person can see it—and they can react, comment and give feedback in real time. The subtlety of the persona’s interaction creates a hyperrealistic shared experience, making digital shopping feel more social than ever.
The J.Crew visionOS app offers a curated selection of products, enabling customers to scrutinize the texture and quality of materials like never before. An Apple Vision Pro user can pull up a piece of clothing or an accessory so close to their face that they can see a product’s granular weaves, textures, folds, creases and dyes. The level of detail attainable is akin to a real-life examination of a garment up close.
This app also includes realistic background scenes to inspire and guide users in updating their wardrobes. For example, resort looks can be visualized within the context of a 360-degree immersive beach setting.
The e.l.f. app isn’t just about buying beauty products; it’s an immersive journey centered around self-expression and relaxation. Through engaging activities and 3D product visualizations, we’ve worked with the brand to blend retail therapy with self-care and render a virtual escape that relaxes all the senses.
“your best e.l.f.” is a holistic experience that leverages the advanced spatial computing capabilities of Apple Vision Pro, featuring pioneering technologies like progressive immersion, 3D product visualizations, spatial audio and a seamless Apple Pay integration.
The app invites users to explore three distinct virtual environments—Camo Cove, Big Mood and Halo Glow—each representing an e.l.f. product line. These settings provide an opportunity for customers to interact with products in high fidelity, thanks to 3D modeling and 4K displays. Users can engage in relaxing activities like guided meditations, stretching exercises and an interactive Paint by Numbers game that results in artwork of animals, which come to life throughout the experience. Each time that visitors return to the experience, a different animal appears—encouraging repeat visits after users take a break for a moment or for the day.
To accompany the launch of “your best e.l.f.” for Apple Vision Pro, e.l.f. has partnered with Obsess to create a version of the “your best e.l.f.” experience for Safari users, ensuring that the immersive world of e.l.f. is accessible to a broader audience.
Our collaboration with Mytheresa has resulted in a truly immersive luxury shopping app. We transport users to glamorous destinations around the globe, offering a sensory-rich shopping experience. This app sets the stage for Mytheresa to launch exclusive collections and curated edits on Apple Vision Pro, with a future vision of offering personalized styling sessions through the app.
As one of the first luxury platforms to embrace Apple’s new Vision Pro spatial computing device, Mytheresa is pioneering a new era in digital retail, offering customers an unparalleled shopping experience. It allows users to virtually transport themselves to iconic fashion destinations like Capri and Paris, where users can explore curated edits specific to each destination—such as resort wear for the beach and party wear for city nightlife.
This app isn’t just about shopping; it’s about experiencing luxury in a deeply emotional and interactive way, including a first-of-its-kind immersive product carousel. The integration of Apple Pay adds to the seamless, innovative experience. Mytheresa’s iconic yellow box and the new exclusive pattern featured in the app’s intro and outro scenes round out this luxe journey.
The alo Sanctuary app represents the brand’s foray into blending wellness with retail. As the first wellness-driven shopping app on Apple Vision Pro, the alo Sanctuary offers users an escape to tranquil environments, each showcasing a unique product collection. We’ve pushed the boundaries of product visualization, enabling users to inspect products with an unprecedented level of detail and realism.
There are four core environments within the app—the beach, mountains, canyons and jungle—which each represent Alo’s Navy, Midnight Green, Espresso and Wild Berry collections, respectively. This thoughtful design allows consumers to visualize and contextualize Alo’s products in diverse settings. The app will be updated seasonally, keeping the collections and experiences fresh and engaging.
Alo has gone a step further in enhancing the user experience by featuring life-size, styled mannequins in each environment. Users can interact with these mannequins, rotating and engaging with them, which brings a new level of interaction to online shopping.
alo Sanctuary will also offer complimentary meditation exercises, previously exclusive to its subscription-based platform, Alo Moves. The app includes a range of meditations within each environment, totaling over 20 different sessions. This feature not only promotes wellness but also ensures a holistic and soothing shopping experience.
We partnered with luxury luggage and travel accessories brand, RIMOWA, to create a curated experience that highlights their core collections: Classic, Hybrid, Original and Essential. Our collaboration with the LVMH brand resulted in an immersive experience that guides users to select the best suitcase for their needs in augmented reality (AR) on Apple’s spatial computer.
Apple Vision Pro users can measure product dimensions and interact with the product as if it were in front of them, allowing them to experience it in a 360 mixed environment. With the goal of driving product discovery, education, immersion and engagement, the RIMOWA Explore app allows users to discover each facet of the suitcases. Focusing on exploration, users are able to compare different collections side by side, in multiple colorways, and dive deep into individual products’ features and functionalities. From the wheels to the handle and interior, interacting with each piece triggers an animation that displays their intended use.
A New Era of Shopping, Fueled by Spatial Computing
These collaborations represent more than just technological advancements; they embody a leap toward achieving Obsess’ mission to create the next generation shopping interface across platforms. The arrival of Apple Vision Pro and its shopping apps heralds a new era of spatial computing by seamlessly merging virtual and physical realms, blending digital content with the physical space around users.
Spatial computing technology—driven by enhanced processors, ultra-high definition displays and unparalleled global network speeds—promises revolutionary immersive shopping experiences. By integrating 3D digital interfaces mirroring human interactions, spatial computing transcends conventional online shopping encounters.
While the adoption of Apple Vision Pro may begin exclusively with a select set of tech savvy consumers, who are willing to pay a price premium; the arrival of the device signifies a paradigm shift that we have previously seen with other Apple devices like the iPhone. During the coming few years, Apple will do what they do best: they’ll make Vision Pro compatible with mass market needs by giving it an even simpler interface, bringing the price down and marketing the device in a way that brings humanity into technology.
As with the launch of any other Apple device, the early apps in the app store will likely have the highest rate of downloads. Brands, who are not yet already on the platform, have the opportunity to act now and target tech-savvy affluent new customers in a completely new way.
Apple Vision Pro Design and Development Services
Obsess is developing highly visual, interactive and tailored shopping experiences to help brands—like J.Crew, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Mytheresa, Alo Yoga and RIMOWA—revolutionize storytelling and engage consumers digitally like never before.
Brands can work with Obsess to conceptualize, design and develop their visionOS apps and immersive browser-based experiences. These can include virtual stores, tools to mix-and-match outfits, shop with friends or sales associates from afar—or even bring an outdoor space right into an indoor home. Apple Pay is available to implement on all Apple Vision Pro apps, enabling a seamless checkout.
If you are interested in creating an experience for Apple Vision Pro for your brand, book a demo or send a message to contact@obsessvr.com today.
