What is a Virtual Showroom? Benefits & Examples
Imagine; from the comfort of your seat, you can walk around and explore your dream car, open the door, and experience sitting inside. Or, instantly try on a dress you didn’t have time to try in a physical store, customized to your size. This is exactly what a virtual showroom experience offers!
So, what exactly is a virtual showroom that brings products and services into a digital space? Is it just a futuristic concept or a wave of excitement, or does it truly have the potential to revolutionize our e-commerce habits permanently? Let’s dive deep into virtual showrooms and explore everything that surrounds them.
What is a Virtual Showroom?
A virtual showroom is an innovative platform that enables the display of products and services in a digital environment. You can think of it as the online version of a physical showroom. However, it is more than just that. While an online showroom may involve simply viewing products in 2D or running a traditional "add to cart and checkout" system, virtual showrooms distinguish themselves by offering users an interactive experience, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
As mentioned in our previous post, “10 Benefits of Product Customization” , reducing decision-making processes for customers is crucial for boosting sales and building brand loyalty. Integrating a virtual showroom into your business can significantly streamline this process in a world where online purchases are becoming increasingly important.
Virtual showrooms often utilize 3D modeling, augmented reality (AR), or virtual reality (VR) technologies to present products in a realistic manner. Some operate entirely through web-based platforms, while others may require a VR headset or a dedicated application. The use of these technologies varies depending on the nature of the products or services offered by the brand. For example, in a virtual showroom for a car brand, you can open the hood to explore engine details, or in a furniture showroom, simulate how a sofa would look in your living room. While it doesn’t completely replace the need for physical stores, virtual showrooms create a new sales channel for brands by offering access from anywhere. Today, many reputable brands are connecting with their customers through virtual showrooms.
As mentioned earlier, virtual showrooms are categorized based on how brands present their products and services in a virtual environment. Each type is developed to enhance user experience and serve a specific purpose. Here are the most common types of virtual showrooms:
Web-Based Virtual Showrooms
Web-based virtual showrooms are accessible directly through a browser without the need for any application or device. These showrooms facilitate 360-degree viewing, product details access, and user interaction. With a simple interface, these showrooms are frequently used in retail and fashion industries. Users can examine products from all angles and gather detailed information before making a purchase.
AR-Enabled Virtual Showrooms
Augmented reality (AR)-powered showrooms simulate how a product would appear in the real world. For example, they allow users to experience how a piece of furniture or clothing would look in their home. These showrooms are commonly used in consumer electronics, furniture, and cosmetics sectors. Through AR-based applications, users can better visualize how products integrate into their daily lives.
VR-Enabled Virtual Showrooms
Virtual reality (VR)-powered showrooms transport users into a fully digital environment. These showrooms often use specialized VR devices or headsets to simulate a physical store experience. They are particularly popular in the automotive, real estate, and high-tech industries. Users can explore vehicle interiors or navigate through every room of a home step-by-step within a virtual space.
3D Modeling-Based Virtual Showrooms
Showrooms based on 3D modeling provide realistic product displays down to the smallest details. Through 3D modeling, users can thoroughly examine products from every angle. This type of showroom is ideal for industrial products, machinery equipment, and custom-designed items.
Live Interactive Virtual Showrooms
Live interactive virtual showrooms allow users to connect in real-time with a sales representative. In these showrooms, users receive detailed product information and can get instant answers to any questions they may have. They are especially suited for high-value products or services that require personalized attention.
These types are customized to meet brand needs, offering dynamic and user-focused experiences. Each type provides unique advantages in specific sectors, enhancing customer satisfaction and accelerating sales processes.
Benefits of Virtual Showrooms
Why should you choose a virtual showroom for your brand?
To answer the “why” question, we can reflect on our physical experiences. The primary goal of a physical showroom is to provide a seamless experience for customers, guiding them from interest to purchase with minimal obstacles. Store associates are readily available to answer questions, and related products are strategically arranged for easy browsing. From the moment customers enter, the focus is on strengthening the connection between the brand and the customer.
Though virtual showrooms operate in a different world, the fundamental principle remains the same: creating a smooth online interaction to enhance user experience. Choosing a virtual showroom offers several key benefits:
1. Interactive and Immersive Shopping Experience
While physical stores offer limited opportunities to examine products, virtual showrooms provide an interactive and multidimensional shopping experience. Users can explore products from every angle using 3D modeling, augmented reality (AR), or virtual reality (VR) technologies, allowing for detailed inspections and even customization to meet their specific needs. By taking a more active role in the shopping process, customers feel a deeper connection to the brand, fostering loyalty.
2. Greater Accessibility and Global Market Opportunities
Virtual showrooms eliminate the limitations of traditional stores by providing access beyond a specific location. The geographical constraints associated with physical stores are overcome through virtual showrooms. Customers can easily access a brand’s products and services from anywhere in the world. During periods such as a pandemic, these virtual platforms enable safe shopping experiences. Additionally, brands targeting a broader audience can achieve higher sales volumes and maintain a stronger position in the global market.
3. Time and Cost Savings
Physical stores often come with high costs associated with logistics, staffing, and operations, creating challenges for brands. Virtual showrooms significantly optimize these processes. They reduce budgets spent on opening, managing, and hosting a physical store. Additionally, they save customers the time and travel expenses required to visit a store. This enables brands to run more effective sales processes with fewer resources.
4. Personalized Shopping Experience
Thanks to advancements in technology, virtual showrooms offer users more personalized experiences. Customers can test different product options, view how a product will fit their needs through virtual design tools, and experience products in their own space using augmented reality (AR). For example, a user can see how furniture will look in their room using AR. Such interactions enhance customer satisfaction and help brands stand out in a competitive market.
5. Flexible and Fast Shopping
Unlike physical stores with fixed working hours, virtual showrooms are accessible 24/7. This flexibility allows users to shop anytime they desire. Additionally, in today’s rapidly changing consumer needs, virtual showrooms enable quick responses to these demands. Customers can explore products at their convenience and complete their purchases swiftly.
6. Competitive Advantage and Innovative Brand Image
Being open to technological innovation helps brands stand out and differentiate from competitors. Virtual showrooms serve as a significant step in a brand’s digital transformation journey. Through interactive and innovative experiences offered in virtual showrooms, customers perceive the brand as modern and customer-centric. This fosters a competitive edge and enhances brand trust.
Which Sectors Prefer Virtual Showroom Technology?
Fashion
In the fashion industry, virtual showrooms allow customers to experience clothing through 3D modeling in virtual environments. With accessible AR and VR technologies, virtual showrooms are revolutionizing the fashion industry. Hyper-realistic representations ensure that choices are converted into sales in a shorter time than physical store visits.
Nike: Nike utilizes augmented reality technology to enable users to virtually try on products. Through Nike’s virtual showrooms, users can experiment with different products and create combinations using their own avatars.
H&M: H&M offers virtual showroom technology that allows users to explore collections in 3D, which they may not have had the chance to view in physical stores. This enables a deeper evaluation of products.
Balenciaga: Luxury brand Balenciaga provides an immersive shopping experience in virtual showrooms. With advanced technology, users can explore designs in greater detail within a virtual environment.
Decoration
In the decoration sector, virtual showrooms are used to present furniture and interior designs directly to customers. Brands like IKEA and Wayfair utilize augmented reality applications to allow users to test furniture in their own homes, offering real-time insights into how products fit into their spaces.
These sectors leverage virtual showroom technology to enhance customer experiences and increase competitive advantage, as geographical limitations are largely eliminated through AR and VR applications.
Wayfair: Wayfair’s virtual showroom application allows users to view and customize various furniture and accessories in virtual rooms. Users can create personalized spaces with different designs tailored to their preferences.
Automotive
In the automotive sector, virtual showrooms offer potential customers the opportunity to thoroughly examine and customize vehicles. Brands like Audi and BMW use 3D virtual showrooms to allow customers to test different vehicle models. Users can personalize both the interior and exterior designs of vehicles, making the purchasing process more informed.
Lexus: Lexus provides users with the opportunity to experience vehicles in detail through virtual showrooms. Users can explore both the interior and exterior of vehicles through 360-degree views.
Audi: Audi offers a virtual showroom that enables users to explore vehicles in a virtual setting. Customers can interactively examine both the interior and exterior details of cars.
Mazda: Mazda utilizes virtual showroom technology to allow customers to inspect vehicles from every angle. This enables potential buyers to gain more insights into the vehicles before taking them for a test drive.
Real Estate
In the real estate sector, virtual showrooms are used to provide detailed presentations of property projects. For example, new housing developments can be explored in a virtual environment through 3D modeling, allowing customers to view all areas. These presentations, often enhanced with virtual reality technology, are particularly appealing for high-end projects.
Zillow: Zillow offers virtual showroom technologies that allow users to explore homes in 3D. Customers can use virtual tour options to navigate different spaces and rooms.
Redfin: Redfin provides users with the ability to virtually explore properties using 360-degree images. Users can walk through every room and filter based on their needs.
Realtor: Realtor offers interactive virtual showrooms, giving customers a realistic way to experience properties. This allows potential buyers to closely examine spaces and make more informed decisions.
Electronics
Virtual showrooms stand out in showcasing electronic products with detailed 3D modeling and interactive features. Brands like LG and Samsung utilize VR technology to present consumer electronics in a virtual setting. Users can view computers, smartphones, and home appliances with 360-degree imaging, offering an ideal solution for experiencing products without physical touch.
Samsung: Samsung provides virtual showrooms where users can explore devices in 360-degree views and experience different features. This enables users to become more familiar with the devices.
Sony: Sony uses virtual showrooms to allow users to deeply explore new electronic devices in a virtual space. Customers can interact with different models and features.
LG: LG offers virtual showroom services that enable users to explore televisions, home theater systems, and other electronic products. This helps consumers examine products from all angles and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Capture the opportunity to transform virtual experiences into reality
Soon, virtual showrooms will revolutionize how businesses engage with customers and make shopping experiences more immersive. These virtual spaces will enable detailed product showcases while allowing customers to interactively experience products before making a purchase.
As artlabs, our no-code/no-developer solution brings your products to life and provides your customers with the opportunity to experience them virtually. If you're looking to digitalize your products and make them suitable for virtual showrooms, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professional team to enhance your digital presence.
