Virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, and its potential to revolutionize the way we shop is undeniable. With virtual reality stores, shoppers can now experience the thrill of a brick-and-mortar shopping trip from the comfort of their own homes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top virtual reality stores in Chicago, and how you can experience them for yourself.
The VR Department Store by Walmart
Walmart’s VR department store is a perfect example of how virtual reality can be used to enhance the shopping experience. The store, which can be accessed through the Oculus Go headset, features a range of products from electronics to home goods. Shoppers can browse through the virtual aisles, select items they like, and add them to their cart. The VR department store also features interactive product demonstrations, allowing shoppers to see how a product works before making a purchase.
One of the unique features of Walmart’s VR department store is its ability to personalize the shopping experience. Shoppers can create avatars that reflect their personal style, and the store will recommend products based on their browsing and purchase history.
To experience Walmart’s VR department store, you’ll need an Oculus Go headset, which retails for around $200. Once you have the headset, simply download the Walmart VR app and start shopping.
The Audi VR Experience
If you’re in the market for a new car, the Audi VR Experience is a must-visit. This virtual reality showroom allows shoppers to customize their dream Audi and take it for a spin without ever leaving the store. The experience uses a combination of virtual reality and physical props to create a fully immersive experience.
Once you put on the VR headset, you’ll find yourself in a virtual Audi showroom, where you can browse through the different models and customize your car to your liking. You can choose the color, the upholstery, the rims, and even the lighting. Once you’re happy with your design, you can take your car for a spin on a virtual test track. The experience is so realistic that you can even feel the wind in your hair as you accelerate down the track.
The Audi VR Experience is located at the Audi dealership in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. The experience is free, but appointments are required.
The North Face VR Adventure
The North Face VR Adventure is a unique virtual reality experience that allows shoppers to explore some of the world’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes. The experience, which can be accessed through the Oculus Quest headset, features four different environments, each inspired by a different location.
In the first environment, you’ll find yourself in Yosemite National Park, where you can explore the park’s famous Half Dome and El Capitan rock formations. In the second environment, you’ll be transported to the Swiss Alps, where you can ski down a virtual mountain. In the third environment, you’ll find yourself in the Moab desert, where you can rock climb and rappel down towering rock formations. And in the fourth environment, you’ll be immersed in the rainforests of British Columbia, where you can hike through lush forests and swim in crystal clear lakes.
The North Face VR Adventure is a great way to experience some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes without ever leaving the city. The experience is free and can be accessed at select North Face stores throughout Chicago.
The IKEA VR Experience
If you’re in the market for furniture, the IKEA VR Experience is a great way to explore the Swedish retailer’s products from the comfort of your own home. The experience, which can be accessed through the HTC Vive headset, features a virtual version of an IKEA store, complete with fully furnished rooms.
Once you put on the VR headset, you’ll find yourself in a virtual IKEA store, where you can browse through different departments and view the products in 3D. You can select items and drag them to a virtual shopping cart, just like you would in a physical store. The IKEA VR Experience also features interactive product demonstrations, allowing you to see how a product looks and functions in a virtual room.
One of the most exciting features of the IKEA VR Experience is its ability to allow shoppers to visualize how furniture will look in their own homes. Using the headset’s built-in camera, shoppers can scan their own rooms and see how different IKEA products would fit and look in their space.
The IKEA VR Experience is available at select IKEA stores, including the Oak Creek location in Chicago. To access the experience, you’ll need an HTC Vive headset, which retails for around $600.
The NBA VR Experience
For basketball fans, the NBA VR Experience is a must-visit. This virtual reality experience allows fans to get closer to the game than ever before, giving them a front-row seat to the action.
Using the Samsung Gear VR headset, fans can watch live NBA games in virtual reality, giving them a 360-degree view of the court. They can also watch highlights, player interviews, and other exclusive content. The experience also includes interactive games and challenges, allowing fans to test their skills on the court.
The NBA VR Experience is available through the NBA app, which can be downloaded for free on the Samsung Gear VR headset.
Conclusion
Virtual reality stores are changing the way we shop, allowing us to experience products in a fully immersive way. From virtual department stores to virtual car showrooms, there’s no shortage of virtual reality experiences to explore in Chicago. So if you’re looking for a unique and exciting shopping experience, be sure to check out one of these top virtual reality stores in the city. Whether you’re shopping for furniture, cars, or just looking to explore the world in virtual reality, these experiences are sure to leave you impressed and wanting more.