Virtual reality

lowe's hololens
Lowe's HoloLens concept.

Lowe's "Holoroom How To" concept embraces virtual reality to help customers learn DIY projects.

In some stores, shoppers can wear a VR headset to learn do-it-yourself projects, such as how to tile a shower. Customers hold a controller in each hand to complete the task in a virtual world.

This builds on Lowe's previous foray into mixed reality. In 2016, the company partnered with Microsoft (MSFT) to encourage shoppers to wear HoloLens headsets to help design a new kitchen. For example, a shopper could design a kitchen on a tablet by selecting different counter tops, cabinets and appliances, and then preview it as a hologram.

Lowe's (LOW) has since wrapped up the pilot project.

Related: In the future, your kitchen will think for itself

Handbag retailer Vera Bradley (VRA) is also investing in virtual reality. At 10 U.S. locations, shoppers can wear a Google Daydream VR headset to move around a virtual bed to see how Vera Bradley comforters, quilts and pillows up close.

First published January 16, 2018: 2:11 PM ET

Partner Offers

Most Popular