In this interview I speak with Beck Besecker, CEO of Marxent whose product VisualCommerce is the virtual products platform, designed to empower retailers and manufacturers with next-generation Augmented and Virtual Reality visualization tools.
Produt visualization is a key part of any type of retail, from traditional phot-based imagery to new modern digital options in-store as well as online via e-commerce. Although there is a lot of buzz around AR and VR it's difficult to find real life, working tools retailers can use today to deliver these experiences to shoppers. Used by Lowe’s Home Improvement, Simmons Bedding Company, AZEK Building Supplies and Scranton Products, the VisualCommerce™ 3D Virtual Reality Design Studio and Showroom platform is robust, mature and built for the enterprise. Applications include sales demos, events, service and ecommerce.
In this interview I discuss the following topics with Beck, listen to the podcast to hear the full content.
* What is the difference between AR and VR in retail?
* How has the Lowe's project evolved and lessons learned?
* What is the biggest challenge for taking AR/VR in retail to the mainstream, is it the consumers or the companies?
* Are opportunities more in-store experience or ecommerce?
* How is 3D content created?
* What are your typical customer size?
* What is a typical implementation like?
* How has the experience working with AR headset manufacturers been?
To learn more about Marxent and AR/VR in retail check out the below links:
Here’s a link to a recent blog post from Marxent that discusses the idea of “mixed commerce” and retail’s new reality amidst brick-and-mortar sales dropping.
Here’s a link to an interview with Beck on CNBC’s Squawk Box, around the future of VR for retail.
Here’s a link to an article covering Marxent’s recent Series B funding announcement, which was announced in April 2016.