V-Commerce Shopping:

Online shopping is changing rapidly, with new technological advancements. One of the latest trends is V-Commerce or virtual commerce. V-Commerce uses virtual reality (VR) technology to create a 3D shopping experience. V-Commerce shopping includes using augmented reality apps like virtual fitting rooms, shopping online by talking to voice assistants, and visiting “virtual stores” with a smartphone or VR glasses. This type of shopping could make online buying more fun and convenient.

V-Commerce will revolutionize the way we shop. By 2028, the market for VR retail solutions is expected to reach $5.5 billion, while the augmented reality retail market could grow to $6.7 billion.

The goal of exploring V-Commerce is to understand its development, benefits, challenges, and potential impact on online shopping. We aim to provide insights into how V-Commerce could revolutionize the shopping experience, the technology behind it, its challenges, and the trends shaping its future growth.

This article by our 3D rendering company covers the basics of V-Commerce shopping and how it could change the future of online shopping.

#1. Background and Context

Online shopping originated in 1979 when Michael Aldrich connected a TV to a computer using a telephone line, enabling business-to-business transactions in the UK. In 1992, Charles M. Stack launched one of the first consumer-oriented online stores, Book Stacks Unlimited, which later became Books.com.

The first recorded online transaction occurred in 1994 when a Sting CD was sold using encrypted software for secure data transfer. e-Commerce quickly advanced with crucial developments. By the mid-90s, Amazon and eBay had emerged, revolutionizing online retail. The growth of mobile commerce further expanded the e-Commerce landscape.

In 2005, Amazon Prime introduced free two-day shipping, setting a new standard for fast delivery in online shopping. That same year, Etsy launched, and in 2009, Square made it easy for sellers to accept card payments via an app. Google Wallet (now Google Pay) was introduced in 2011, followed by Apple Pay in 2014, streamlining digital payments. As online platforms grew, CGI became the go-to for product visuals, eventually outpacing traditional photography.

What is V-Commerce?

V-Commerce is changing online shopping using virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). It also uses artificial intelligence to create a more interactive experience. With V-Commerce, customers can explore a virtual store and shop as if they were there in person.

This technology lets people shop from home while making the experience more engaging and personalized. It uses AR to add digital elements like visuals and sounds to the real world.

According to a Statista 2023 survey, online shoppers in Poland were the most interested in using virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) while shopping. About 40% of Polish and 37% of U.S. consumers wanted VR/AR tools for online shopping.

• IKEA has introduced V-Commerce with a virtual reality app that lets customers see how furniture would look in their room before buying, with 98% accuracy. The app also includes a 3D room planner and virtual showroom, allowing users to try different furniture layouts and styles in their space. VR technology makes shopping more interactive and enjoyable, leading to higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
• Sephora has also embraced V-Commerce by offering a virtual reality makeup try-on experience. Using VR headsets, customers can see how different makeup products will look on their faces in real-time, helping them make better purchase decisions.
• Nike has integrated augmented reality (AR) into its shopping app with a feature called “Nike Fit.” This tool lets customers scan their feet using their smartphone camera, allowing them to find the perfect shoe size. The AR technology gives a highly accurate fit recommendation, reducing the chances of returns and improving customer satisfaction.

#2. Technological Foundations

V-Commerce uses technology to create personalized shopping experiences, building trust and brand loyalty. These digital storefronts let brands offer unique and engaging experiences tailored to each customer. Virtual home design services are becoming popular, allowing users to design their homes with the help of experienced designers. Using AR, customers can preview their designs before making purchases, offering an immersive experience not possible with traditional methods.

• Virtual reality technology immerses users in a wholly digital environment, allowing them to shop in a virtual store as if they were there in person. In virtual commerce, VR will enable customers to “walk around” virtual stores, browse products, and make purchases in an interactive and immersive way. For example, companies like IKEA and Alibaba have introduced VR shopping, where customers can explore and interact with products before purchasing.
• Augmented reality enhances the real world by overlaying digital elements, such as images or information, on what the user sees. In virtual commerce, AR is for visualizing products in a customer’s environment. For example, IKEA’s AR app allows users to see how furniture will look in their own space before purchasing, and companies like Sephora involve customers in trying makeup virtually, providing a more informed shopping experience.
• Artificial intelligence is crucial in personalizing the virtual commerce shopping experience. AI-powered tools, such as virtual shopping assistants and recommender systems, analyze customer behavior and preferences to suggest products that are most relevant to them. This technology helps create a personalized shopping experience, making it easier for customers to find the right products and increasing the likelihood of purchasing.

#3. Benefits of V-Commerce

V-Commerce shopping can turn web visitors into paying clients more often than traditional stores. Virtual stores usually have lower prices than physical ones, encouraging people to buy. So let’s look through the advantages:

• An immersive shopping experience. Virtual commerce transforms shopping into a dynamic and interactive experience, allowing customers to explore virtual stores and interact with products as if they were in a physical store. This increases engagement by creating realistic shopping environments that capture attention and interest.
• Customization and personalization. With virtual try-on and customizable options, virtual commerce offers the most personalized shopping experience possible. Customers can see how products such as clothing or furniture will look and fit in real-time, making it easier to choose products that suit their tastes and needs.
• Convenience and accessibility. Virtual commerce allows you to shop from anywhere, eliminating the physical need to visit a store. This convenience and realistic product previews will enable customers to shop more quickly and confidently, improving the overall shopping experience.
• Enhanced Customer Decision-Making. With virtual commerce, customers get a clearer picture of products through detailed virtual visualization. This enhanced product visibility helps customers make more informed decisions, reducing uncertainty and the likelihood of returns.

Thanks to convenience and lower prices, V-Commerce online stores can more effectively convert visitors into paying customers than traditional stores. An engaging, interactive experience attracts customers by offering them customization, accessibility, and a better decision-making process, which is a game-changer in online commerce.

#4. Challenges and Considerations

Building and maintaining V-Commerce platforms, especially those utilizing advanced VR and AR technologies, require covering certain aspects. Here are some of them:

Technical Challenges

Developing and maintaining VR/AR platforms can be expensive due to high costs and the need for advanced hardware, such as VR headsets and AR-capable devices.

User Adoption

Consumers unfamiliar with VR/AR technology may be hesitant to adopt it. Ensuring that the technology is easy to use and has intuitive interfaces is crucial for gaining acceptance.

Privacy and Security

Protecting user data becomes more complex in an immersive V-Commerce shopping environment. Robust privacy and security measures are essential to safeguard personal information.

Content Creation

Creating high-quality 3D content for virtual stores requires significant resources. Small to medium-sized businesses may need help with scalability issues when producing detailed content for effective V-Commerce.

#5. Current Industry Trends

3D commerce is now a top trend in online shopping and isn’t going away. Furniture brands must use it to offer a better shopping experience and stay competitive.

Early Adopters

Brands like IKEA and Sephora are leading the way in V-Commerce. IKEA uses VR to let customers see how furniture fits in their homes, while Sephora offers a virtual makeup try-on experience. Alibaba’s “BUY+” is a VR shopping experience that lets customers browse and purchase products in a virtual mall. Users can interact with 3D models of products, get detailed information, and make purchases using VR headsets, making online shopping more immersive and engaging. These early adopters are setting the standard for how V-Commerce can enhance shopping.

Consumer Response

Consumers like V-Commerce, and many enjoy its interactive and immersive experiences. Data shows increased engagement and satisfaction, providing a more enjoyable and practical V-Commerce shopping experience compared to traditional methods.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Tech companies and retailers are increasingly partnering to advance V-Commerce solutions. These collaborations aim to improve technology and expand V-Commerce shopping capabilities, making it more accessible and effective for businesses and consumers.

#6. Future of V-Commerce

The future of V-Commerce shopping promises an even more immersive and personalized experience. Advances in VR/AR and artificial intelligence make online shopping increasingly realistic and tailored to individual preferences.

Technological Advancements

Innovations in virtual, augmented reality and AI will continue to evolve, making the virtual commerce experience even more immersive and intuitive. Future advancements may include more realistic virtual environments, better interaction tools, and enhanced personalization features that tailor the shopping experience to individual preferences.

Expansion Across Industries

Virtual commerce is likely to expand into various sectors beyond retail. For example, in real estate, users can virtually tour homes. In travel, virtual commerce can offer virtual previews of destinations, allowing users to explore hotels and attractions before booking a trip. In the healthcare industry, V-Commerce can provide virtual consultations and allow patients to research medical equipment or healthcare services. This can improve patient engagement and help them better understand their treatment options. V-Commerce can be used to host virtual events such as concerts or exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy live performances or explore virtual booths from anywhere, increasing access and engagement.

Integration With Other Technologies

Combining virtual commerce with technologies such as blockchain can provide more secure and transparent transactions. Additionally, 5G networks will improve virtual commerce by offering faster data speeds and more reliable connections, resulting in a smoother and more interactive virtual shopping experience.

#7. Strategic Recommendations

Retailers should gradually adopt V-Commerce by educating customers and integrating immersive shopping into their platforms. Marketers and technology developers should focus on promoting user-friendly virtual commerce solutions and lowering barriers to entry through enhanced platform features and innovative marketing strategies.

For retailers

Retailers should consider a phased approach to implementing virtual commerce. That starts with pilot projects to test and refine the virtual shopping experience. It is important to educate customers about the benefits and usability of virtual commerce to encourage adoption and improve their shopping experience.

For technology developers

Technology developers should focus on improving the functionality and usability of virtual commerce platforms. Lowering entry barriers with more affordable and accessible technology solutions will help small businesses join and benefit from virtual commerce.

For marketers

Marketers should emphasize V-Commerce’s unique features and benefits in their campaigns to grab users’ attention and increase their engagement. Creating engaging content showcasing V-Commerce’s exciting and interactive aspects can attract customers and increase their enthusiasm for trying new shopping experiences.

V-Commerce will change online shopping by making it more interactive and immersive. It offers a new way to shop that’s engaging and fun. As technology improves, it could become the future of online shopping, making it better and more satisfying for customers.

Are you excited to use advanced CGI for your website and V-Commerce shopping? Try 3D rendering services from us. We’ll give you top-notch CG tools to help you attract more clients!

Max Kharchenko

Senior Account Manager

An ultimate problem-solver and skilled negotiator, Max provides first-class advice to clients. He is an extrovert, a dog person, and a sheer pleasure to talk to. In his spare time, Max enjoys playing basketball and watching Netflix.