Creating Virtual Shopping Experiences

OpenAI dropped something big: retailers can now embed AI shopping agents into their Shopify stores - in just a few clicks. Through a new integration between the Storefront Managed Compute Platform (MCP) (Shopify’s tool for powering custom storefront features) and the OpenAI Responses API (controls how AI agents understand and respond to users), building a shopping assistant no longer requires authentication, custom code, or complex setup. By adding a store URL to the OpenAI Playground (an easy-to-use web interface for testing and deploying AI agents), a fully functional assistant can be deployed almost instantly. Once live, the AI assistant is capable of: - Searching the store’s live product catalog - Adding selected items to a shopper’s cart - Generating checkout links in real time The interaction is seamless. A shopper might type, “I’m looking for a lightweight men’s button-up shirt for a vacation,” and the agent responds with curated options. Upon selection, the item is added to cart - autonomously and without delay. The launch marks more than a product update - it’s a strategic step toward agentic commerce, where AI doesn't just inform but acts on behalf of the shopper. While OpenAI provides the intelligence and interface, Shopify is laying the groundwork for retailers to operationalize it at scale through tools like the Storefront Managed Compute Platform (MCP). And it’s not alone. - Perplexity offers one-click purchasing via Buy with Pro and is onboarding merchants through a free product data program. - Google is enhancing Search and Bard with shopping intelligence, making results more shoppable — though still not fully agentic. - Amazon is using generative AI in listings, reviews, and its Rufus assistant to improve discovery and streamline decisions. - Startups like Cocoon and Cartwheel are building white-label AI agents for brands, turning chat into personalized storefronts. We are clearly moving from search engines to shopping agents. Opinions: my own, Video source: Shopify Developers 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫: https://lnkd.in/dkqhnxdg

Static pictures as manipulations will not cut it anymore. If we want meaningful manipulations, Virtual Reality belongs in our methods toolbox. I do not mean another “cool demo.” I mean controlled, reproducible environments that feel real enough to study behavior with rigor. What changes in practice? ◾Whole environments, not single images. In consumer research, a virtual supermarket lets me vary layout, prices, shelf space, or crowding and isolate effects without touching a real store. Presence and product involvement can be tested directly in that setting. Great work by Sandra Loureiro and colleagues, see here: https://lnkd.in/eJchQvr3 ◾Ethics and safety for high-stakes questions. VR eyewitness and perpetrator scenes allowed Lilian Kloft-Heller and colleagues to show that THC acutely increases false-memory proneness in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Try doing that with a few pictures on a screen, or hiring expensive actors. VR offers opportunities: https://lnkd.in/eQQFzxvH ◾ Scripted social interactions. Virtual confederates let researchers control gaze, timing, and emotion precisely, while keeping the scene identical for every participant. This balances realism with experimental control, which classic lab set-ups rarely achieve. See this article: https://lnkd.in/e676gNrB Is VR a field study? Not yet. But it is a big step toward the contexts we actually care about, with data quality we need for causality. If you are still running picture-based manipulations, try one VR pilot this semester. Small step. Big upgrade. #VR #ResearchMethods #Psychology #Marketing #ResearchMatters #Academia #PhDLife #DEXLab #Innovation #DigitalTransformation

I jumped into L’Occitane's new Christmas-themed digital store. Set in a cozy cabin in the French Alps, I strolled through the virtual store and was able to collect hidden items to unlock a discount code for my purchase. Such a great example of virtual branded experiences for better storytelling! Beyond customer engagement, we’re seeing virtual experiences evolve with use cases that bring real value for brands and consumers. My favourite examples from the last month: Balmain is using virtual experiences to personalise the online fitting experience for customers. - They partnered with BODS to allow customers to create personalised avatars and dress them in tailored Balmain pieces. - Improper fit accounts for ~70% of returned online fashion purchases. This experience aims to boost consumer confidence and reduce returns. E.L.F. BEAUTY is using virtual experiences to enable Gen Z to build new skills and express themselves authentically online. - They introduced a Roblox experience, focused on creating dream start-ups and gamifying the development of entrepreneurial skills.  - This is based on the insight that 50% of Roblox's Gen Z users prioritise expressing themselves through their in-game identity and 62% aspire to become entrepreneurs (Forbes, 2023). Porche spoke about it’s metaverse vision, with examples such as designers using the metaverse for virtual vehicle interior design, collaborative customer feedback before production and digital twins of factories. Have you visited a virtual storefront before? #customerexperience #digitaltransformation #branding

Google just announced a suite of AI-driven shopping tools designed to transform the online retail experience 💥 Here’s what’s coming: 🧠 AI Shopping Mode: A conversational search tool that understands natural language and context. Think: “best dress for a trip to Cannes in May” – and it will deliver results tailored to weather, location, and purpose. 👗 Virtual Try-On 2.0: Shoppers can now upload full-body photos to see how items actually look on them — including drape, fit, and texture across different body types. A game-changer for apparel conversion rates. 💸 Agentic Checkout + Price Alerts: Users can set price targets, and when an item hits the right price, Google will notify them — or even auto-checkout via Google Pay. What this means for eComm marketers: ▪️ SEO and product data quality will become even more critical ▪️ Conversion will increasingly depend on visual assets (UGC, try-ons, real models) ▪️ Brands need to prep for a world where shopping journeys are conversation-first Currently, these features are being rolled out in the U.S. via Google Search Labs, with plans for broader availability in the future.

Apple’s move to open its contactless payments technology on iPhones to third-party developers will certainly shakeup the payments landscape. As new payment solutions emerge, we’ll likely see increased competition and elevated consumer expectations. There's a distinct opportunity for banks to be at the forefront of this advancement. What might access to Apple’s NFC chip mean for banks? 💵 Expanded Payment Options: Banks may integrate more deeply with Apple’s technology, enhancing in-app payment capabilities and offering new features for a more seamless transaction experience. 🔐 Enhanced Security: Apple’s technology could improve security with features like biometric authentication and tokenization, making transactions more secure. 💳 Broader Compatibility: Virtual debit cards may become usable in a wider range of third-party apps, increasing flexibility and convenience. 📱Consistent Experience: In-app payments and banking services might become more streamlined and consistent with Apple Wallet, reducing friction. Banks focused on owning the payments experience will be well-positioned. Adapting to increased regulatory scrutiny and maintaining robust security will also be crucial. This evolving landscape underlines the importance of agility, innovation, and a commitment to delivering a leading payments experience to clients. #Payments #PaymentsTechnology #Banking #Banks #Apple #AppleWallet #iPhone https://lnkd.in/ehpeA4GB

4 out of 5 CRO agencies I've worked with usually relied on 'best practices' to increase conversion rate. These practices include: - Adding badges like 'few left', 'bestseller' - Making reviews more prominent - Creating urgency with timers - Adding key product USPs - Leveraging offers While these strategies do give results, many tend to overlook a critical aspect. Which is UX/UI design. That’s likely the least spoken topic at a CRO agency. Despite its significant potential to increase conversion rates. In this example, using Nourish You India's PDP, I've implemented UX/UI and other changes that can increase conversion rates. Below are the 8 changes I recommend a/b testing - 1. Move the product name above the product image along with reviews+price. That way, the space between the images and the add-to-cart CTA is reduced, increasing the chances of adding to cart. 2. The primary product image should highlight key USPs. This would help the user to quickly understand why to buy this product and why from you. 3. Consider adding product image thumbnails. If your product requires education then use the image slider to provide that. Most important in consumables, personal care industry, and tech. 4. Consider adding 3 quick bullet points or USPs about the product before the user goes to add to cart. This way, they are educated about the product before they consciously think about purchasing from you. 5. Motivate users to add more quantity, increasing the AOV. Do this by highlighting savings when they buy in bulk or highlighting the cost per item if they buy a bundle. 6. Optimize the area around the add-to-cart CTA. Highlight the estimated delivery time, free shipping threshold and return policy. 7. Highlight key USPs to differentiate your product and brand from the others. 8. Add accordions that the user can click on to read more. This way they can find the answers to their questions quickly. Other 2 CRO changes I did: 1. Added 'Few left' once the user selected the pack they want to buy. This creates urgency. 2. Re-iterated price near the pack selection so the user doesn't have to scroll back up to see the price. Success lies in attention to detail. Found this useful? Let me know in the comments! P.S. The learning curve for UX/UI design is quite different from that of CRO. Some great resources to explore are Baymard Institute and Nielsen Norman Group to get started. #conversionrateoptimization #uxdesign

🔵 Walmart launches virtual fashion collection on ZEPETO 👇 Retail giant Walmart has expanded its digital presence by introducing a virtual collection of its No Boundaries (NoBo) apparel brand on metaverse platform ZEPETO. 👚 The launch includes 10 virtual twins (digital versions) of real-world NoBo items from the fall collection and 3 limited-edition items created in collab with ZEPETO creator Xexi. Users can purchase the virtual items using ZEMs, the platform's digital currency. 🇰🇷 ZEPETO was launched in 2018 by South Korean tech company NAVER Z (ZEPETO) and has quickly become a popular platform. With +20 million monthly active users (of which 70% Gen Z), this 'metaverse' offers brands a unique way to connect with younger audiences through creative, interactive experiences. Comparable to Roblox, the platform combines avatar customization, virtual worlds, and social interaction, becoming a space for self-expression. It grew from an avatar maker to a full metaverse, including events, branded collaborations and virtual stores the last years. 📊 Roblox remains much bigger in terms of engagement (200 million MAU's) and revenue from digital goods ($2.8 billion in 2023 vs ZEPETO's estimated $40.5 mio), however ZEPETO's becoming an important niche platform with a specific Gen Z focus. 🛍 Walmart has been investing consistently in similar experiences, including Walmart Discovered on Roblox and Walmart Realm with Emperia. The strategy aligns with current market research on Gen Z consumer behavior: ‣ 56% of Gen Z report improved brand perception after visiting virtual experiences ‣ 97% use social media as their primary source of shopping inspiration ‣ 42% utilize virtual avatars to test potential real-life fashion purchases 👖 No Boundaries is Walmart's young adult apparel brand, generating approximately $2 billion in annual sales. The refreshed NoBo line features trendy items such as baggy fit jeans, drop shoulder tops, and cropped tees, with 80% of products priced under $15. Walmart already announced a second virtual NoBo drop scheduled for November 22, indicating ongoing commitment to its digital fashion strategy. ➡️ A clear example of a continually growing trend of bridging the gap between physical & digital shopping experiences, and overall a VERY smart move by Walmart to engage with younger consumers. #innovation #retail #walmart #zepeto #roblox #phygital #virtualretail #metaverse

A unique case study on capturing consumer attention in retail marketing. With brands investing in physical spaces to build deeper connections, the challenge is clear: How can they attract customers, increase brand awareness and stay top-of-mind in an oversaturated market? [ad] An example of this is Footlocker’s flagship store during the Paris Olympic Games. Earlier this year, the store used HYPERVSN’s cutting-edge technology to display intricate 3D visuals, creating a dynamic, eye-catching experience for passersby. As pedestrians strolled past, they could immerse themselves in Footlocker’s latest products, brought to life through holograms seemingly floating mid-air. In an age where attention is the new competition currency, HYPERVSN’s technology transformed Footlocker’s window displays into a living story, with products and logos captivating passers walking by the store. Recent studies have shown consumer demand for immersive retail experiences is on the rise. Shoppers now expect brands to provide engaging and interactive moments that go beyond traditional displays. In return, by investing in innovative display technologies, brands can: • Amplify Their Story
↳ Craft compelling displays that bring your brand to life, communicate your values, and attract new customers. • Enhance Customer Engagement
↳ Encourage interaction with dynamic content, like HYPERVSN’s floating visuals, drawing people in and encouraging exploration. • Stand Out in a Competitive Market
↳ Differentiate your brand with unforgettable, immersive displays that capture attention in an overstimulated retail environment. • Deliver Personalised Experiences
↳ Use digital signage and smart technology to tailor messages and promotions in real time, making shopping more meaningful. • Adapt Quickly to Trends
↳ Update displays effortlessly to reflect the latest trends, seasonal promotions, or product launches, keeping your brand relevant. According to Coresight Research, 88% of brands investing in virtual storefronts report a direct boost in sales, while Zendesk’s 2023 Customer Experience Trends report highlights immersive experiences as a key competitive advantage. - 2025 will be the year of exceptional customer experience. Consumers are craving memorable brand moments like never before. Watch the video and share your thoughts, do you think this is the future of retail marketing?

Is it even possible to merge 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 experiences and generate sales in both simultaneously? Roblox is blurring the line between digital and physical worlds with new #retail capabilities that will enable creators to sell physical items through the gaming platform and for items purchased in the real world to unlock value in the digital space. Early adopters include Fenty Beauty, Weeknd and Paramount. “We’re merging the physical and digital worlds by offering a first-of-its-kind #shopping experience inside the game that brings our brand from Roblox to real life,” explained Nanette Wong, vice president of global brand marketing at Fenty Beauty + Fenty Skin. For Roblox, the road runs both ways in the digital-physical shopping convergence. Roblox’s new Approved Merchandiser Program enables creators, brands and IP holders to place a badge on items in the real world that will unlock unique #digital items, such as clothing and accessories for avatars. More insights regarding the evolution of #gaming and how brands can leverage mixed reality platforms, in two dedicated deep-dive articles attached in the comments below.

📚 Excited to share that a paper I authored during my MBA final year is now making waves in classrooms! 🌟 It's humbling to see my alma mater using my work in their Sales and Distribution Management classes, sparking discussions and curiosity among students. 📝🎓 I'm thrilled to have received queries from students eager to dive deeper into these concepts. 💡 It's a gratifying feeling to know that my insights are contributing to their learning journey. You can access the paper here: https://lnkd.in/db8Xd2jE 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀: 1. 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: How does the Metaverse address the issue of integrating physical and digital retail experiences, and what technologies are used to bridge this gap effectively?   𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲: The Metaverse employs virtual and augmented reality to bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences. It allows for immersive shopping scenarios, letting customers explore virtual storefronts with personalized elements. This 24/7 accessibility enhances convenience while retaining the interactive aspects of in-store shopping. 2. 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Can you provide more examples of how retailers have successfully utilized the Metaverse to create immersive and personalized shopping experiences for customers?   𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲: Certainly, Nike's "Nike Rise" and IKEA's "IKEA VR Experience" are prime examples. Nike Rise offers gamified experiences and personalized workout plans, while IKEA VR Experience allows customization of furniture and virtual tours. These experiences enhance customer engagement and brand loyalty. 3. 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: In terms of supply chain management, how does the decentralized ledger technology in the Metaverse compare to traditional methods used in omnichannel retail? What are the practical implications for businesses?   𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲: Decentralized ledger technology in the Metaverse offers real-time, transparent tracking of transactions and product movements. Compared to traditional methods, this leads to improved efficiency, reduced risks of fraud, and better collaboration among stakeholders. It streamlines information sharing for more informed decision-making. 4. 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Could you elaborate on how the use of blockchain technology in the Metaverse enhances the trust and transparency of e-commerce transactions? Are there any limitations or drawbacks to this approach?   𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲: The use of blockchain technology in the Metaverse creates tamper-proof and immutable transaction records, fostering trust in e-commerce dealings. This contrasts with omnichannel retail where transaction details might be siloed, potentially affecting trust. Blockchain ensures that all parties have access to the same, unalterable information. These are just a few of the questions, and I'm thrilled to continue discussing these concepts. Feel free to read the full paper to explore more insights!