All That Glitters Is Now Virtual!
Visual Merchandising and Retail Design|September 2020
Taking jewellery buying into a new realm of experience is VirtuLab, a new foray by Design Desk. The ‘Virtual Jewellery Showroom’ solution conceptualized by VirtuLab enables Jewellers to host fully immersive 3D showrooms, while being able to display designs & collections, in the process creating a brick and mortar like user experience. Buyers can see all the options displayed on windows, podiums & catalogues – simulating the real world showroom browsing experience. By clicking on a particular piece, visitors can also access its detailed information & closeup photographs. Simultaneously, the buyer can also connect with the sales team through multiple options like chat, video call or Whatsapp from inside the virtual showroom. Rohit Saraogi, CEO - VirtuLab, shares with the VMRD more on the initiative and about the role of technology in retail going forward.
N. Jayalakshmi
All That Glitters Is Now Virtual!

Any research highlights you would like to share that preceded the launch of the virtual jewellery showroom that you have designed?

The virtual showroom solution is purely born out of the necessity triggered by COVID 19. The pandemic totally disrupted several physical world businesses, including retail. This hinted at a need for brands to find creative solutions to thrive in the new normal.

We also started thinking on how we could leverage our skills & experience in spatial design, to create something which could connect brands & customers in a safe, yet innovative way. Thus, by combining the power of 3D design, internet technology & 15 years of experience, we were able to come up with this unique, 3D immersive shopping solution.

How many other jewellery brands besides Sawansukha Jewellers of Kolkata are showing interest in the virtual showroom?

The interest in the virtual showroom has actually been very enthusiastic from diverse categories. We have just completed our first live virtual showroom for a boutique retailing exquisite Gemstone Carvings. Now we are in the process of setting up 6 other virtual showrooms. These range from jewelry and garment exporters to furnishing and textile manufacturers.

Simultaneously, we are also setting up B2B Virtual Experience centers for engineering & electronic equipment companies.

So any category of brands can best leverage the virtual showroom platform?

This story is from the September 2020 edition of Visual Merchandising and Retail Design.

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This story is from the September 2020 edition of Visual Merchandising and Retail Design.

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