Questions for Neha Singh, the founder and CEO of Obsess
In the post-pandemic world, brands are rethinking their omnichannel strategy, aiming to provide a full brand experience across all digital channels. One company leading this change is Obsess, a New York-based startup specialising in immersive and interactive online stores for retailers, using augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies.
Obess is setting up virtual selling as a distinct sales channel, beyond traditional retail stores and e-commerce sites. By offering immersive VR/AR experiences for virtual try-ons and interactive product exploration, the platform aims to revolutionise the shopping experience.
The virtual stores created by Obsess leverage AI-driven product recommendations and visual customization tools. Customers can see products in 3D or AR, virtually try them on, and personalize items with custom designs or text. This approach fosters creativity and personal connection with products, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.
Obess's virtual stores also benefit from data-driven personalization. Using customer-specific data, the platform delivers dynamic, customised product catalogs, pricing, and recommendations. The technology platform supports smooth integration with key backend systems to keep the personalized experience seamless and consistent.
Some clients have achieved remarkable results with Obsess. For instance, they have seen up to 70 percent increased conversion rates from the traffic through their virtual store versus their e-commerce site. Additionally, some clients have experienced a 10x increase in their virtual traffic compared to their retail store foot traffic.
The success of Obsess is measured by the success of their retail partners with their virtual stores powered by Obsess. Some of the large brands and retailers that use Obsess' services include Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Dermalogica, NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, American Girl, Sam's Club, Mary Kay, and Nayomi.
While brands are embracing this new approach, they are still facing challenges in creating long-term, coherent AR/VR experiences that are part of their digital ecosystem. Obsess applies its learning to each new virtual store it creates to deliver high-performing, data-driven online shopping AR/VR experiences.
Pre-pandemic, brand experiences were limited to retail stores. However, consumer behaviours have changed, necessitating a shift in selling strategies. Obsess considers AR/VR technologies as a new digital sales channel and a permanent part of their omnichannel experience.
In summary, Obsess integrates personalization by offering immersive VR/AR experiences for virtual try-ons and interactive product exploration, providing 3D customization tools for product personalization and visualization, using AI and customer data to deliver dynamic, customized product catalogs, pricing, and recommendations, and creating virtual store environments that act as storytelling channels, shaping an engaging retail atmosphere tailored to individual shopper preferences. This innovative approach is transforming the retail landscape, offering a more personalised, interactive, and engaging shopping experience for customers.
- Obsess, a pioneering company in the realm of technology, is using artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) to set up a new sales channel that goes beyond traditional retail stores and e-commerce sites, aiming to revolutionize the shopping experience.
- By offering immersive VR/AR experiences for virtual try-ons, interactive product exploration, and 3D customization tools, the platform encourages creativity and personal connection with products, aiming to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.
- The data-driven nature of Obsess's technology allows for the delivery of dynamic, customized product catalogs, pricing, and recommendations based on customer-specific data, fostering a seamless and consistent shopping experience across different digital channels.
