How 3D Virtual Tours can help save retail

Adapting to a changing world 

The world is different now.  Every fibre of our world and being has been challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic and many areas will never be the same again.  And that includes how people shop too.

I don't know about you but I've always admired the way that leading retailers adapt and change to meet buying trends and how people shop.  And right up at there at the top of that is John Lewis that has maintained it's position at the forefront of British retail for so many years.  Without a doubt it always always felt a bit like the 'Rolls Royce' of retail brands when compared with other retail giants.

But staying relevant and adapting to change in this crazy Covid world is clearly what will keep them at the top of the retail food chain in this rapidly changing world.  And I think it's fair to say that any retail business, big or small, that fails to embrace that change will sadly become another retail victim of this Covid pandemic.

With that rather grim back drop we were particularly delighted to see John Lewis' new approach to  consumer shopping experiences with the launch of their 3D virtual tour Christmas Shop.

Can 3D Virtual Tours help save retail?

As Approved Matterport Service Partners, we were particularly delighted here at Immersive Walkthroughs to see John Lewis' latest shopping experience (highlighted below) fully embracing the latest 3D virtual tour technology we provide to take shoppers on an immersive tour of their flagship Christmas Store.

Not only can people fully immerse themselves with a virtual stroll around the store (suitably socially distanced of course) from the comfort of their own living room, they can also browse and buy too using the Matterport Tour's unique 'Mattertags' to provide links through to the items on their online store.

Nothing short of genius and clearly something that will help them maintain their position as the face of retail continues to adapt and change.

It is a well documented fact that over 80% of shoppers do their research online prior to making a purchase so having the ability to allow shoppers to take a virtual walk through your store, showcase your products and then allow them to buy with a simple click can clearly give you a huge advantage. 

Add to that additional research has also shown that people are 300% more engaged with Matterport's 3D virtual experiences than with 2D imagery so you can see why John Lewis have put this great technology at the forefront of their shopping experience.

And John Lewis aren't the only ones taking advantage of this leading technology.  Others are following suit and catching on too.  Take for example Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery in Chicago.  They've also recognised the importance of  adapting their retail experience to support shoppers in a socially distanced world.

But the benefits don't stop their either...

Understanding the wider benefits

In addition to the obvious benefits of increased sales, a 3D virtual tour for a retail space also has other spin off benefits too.

For example, you can use it to train up new employees who can use the tour to familiarise themselves with the store layout as part of their induction.   This means that they can hit the ground running when they start work in your store which saves staff training time and money.

Add to that the fact that a 3D Virtual Tour of your store provides you with a great marketing tool to support your own digital marketing efforts.  Whether it's sharing it on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Linked in or embedding it onto your website too the possibilities are endless.  You could even run an online 'Supermarket Sweep' style competition where people have to explore the virtual tour to find something in the store and submit an answer to win a prize!

And if John Lewis can do it then why can't you?

We're here to help bring your store to life too

Here at Immersive Walkthroughs we can help you bring your retail store to life with a similar 3D virtual tour and website so you can compete with the big guns too.  So if you want to know more then simply Contact Us and we'll be delighted to chat more.

One thing is clear...

Virtual shopping is here to stay and is only going to grow to provide customers and retail businesses with exciting new ways to promote and market their wares in the months and years ahead.  So make sure you're fully up to speed and don't get left behind!

You can enjoy the John Lewis 3D Virtual Shopping Experience by clicking the image below...