It is quite interesting to note how many industries can be disrupted by virtual reality technology. The retail industry seems to be the biggest benefactor at this time. Walmart is one of the companies aggressively pushing into the world of VR training sessions for employees. A positive trend which will spill over to other industries as well.
The Retail Industry Needs VR
It is safe to say there are dozens of use cases for VR technology within the retail sector alone. Revitalizing the entire shopping experience, for example, is one option a few companies are exploring. The more notable trend, however, is how employee training in virtual reality continues to gain traction. Walmart is one of the front-runners in this regard, although competitors are also making their moves.
According to recent statistics, Walmart will deploy over 17,000 Oculus Go VR headsets to its stores across the United States. Given the company’s vast number of employees and new recruits, there will be a growing “target audience” for these VR training sessions. Since these headsets do not require a powerful computer to tether to, they can be used on any site without too many problems.
Walmart is not the only major retailer focusing its attention on VR training exercises Macy’s and California Closets are also in on the action. Interestingly enough, both retailers also want to enhance the overall shopping and purchasing experience for customers. A lot of initial promise is evident for everyone to see. Unfortunately, the high costs and cultural barriers will hold back major adoption in the retail sector for quite some time to come.
As is always the case, projects like these will require thorough testing first and foremost. Walmart is bringing its VR training exercise to 10 locations. If that proves to be successful, all US stores will have this technology by late January of 2019. That can trigger a massive surge for the VR industry, something that is direly needed at this point.
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