Why You Should Gamify Your Stores
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the fusion of gaming and online retail has given birth to an exciting trend – gamified virtual stores. This innovative approach not only engages customers in an immersive shopping experience but also holds the potential to skyrocket your online sales. Imagine combining the allure of gaming with the practicality of virtual shopping, all powered by the expertise of Level Up, a leading gamification service company powered by Agate.
The Rise of Gamified Virtual Stores: A Retail Revolution
The online retail industry is undergoing rapid changes and challenges, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Consumers are shifting their shopping habits and preferences, and retailers need to adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the competition. One of the emerging trends that is reshaping the online shopping landscape is gamified virtual stores.
Gamified virtual stores are digital environments that mimic physical stores, but with added elements of fun, challenge, and reward. They allow customers to explore products, learn about brands, and even socialize with other shoppers in a playful way. Gamified virtual stores can increase customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention, as well as boost sales and conversions.
Gamified virtual stores are especially appealing to Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, who are expected to account for 40% of global consumers by 2020. Gen Z are digital natives who grew up with video games, social media, and smartphones. They are looking for experiential retail that offers them more than just products, but also stories, emotions, and connections.
However, creating a gamified virtual store is not a simple task. It requires a combination of technical skills, creative vision, and business acumen. That’s why collaborating with the right experts is essential. One of the platforms that can help retailers create gamified virtual stores is Obsess, which offers immersive, 3D-rendered, and interactive experiences that engage customers and increase brand loyalty. Obsess has partnered with the world’s leading brands and retailers to create more than 300 virtual stores and experiences, such as Bloomingdale’s virtual ski slope, J.Crew’s chocolate wonderland, and L’Occitane’s trip to the French Alps.
Another platform that can help retailers create gamified virtual stores is Emperia, which enables brands to design and launch their own virtual stores in minutes. Emperia allows brands to create realistic 360 photographed e-commerce storefronts that bring their brand’s real-world aesthetic to a highly engaged online audience. Emperia also provides gamified features, such as quizzes, games, and customizers, that incentivize product discovery, purchase intent, and first-party data collection.
Gamified virtual stores are not only entertaining, but also useful in driving sales and loyalty. According to Obsess, gamified virtual stores can increase conversion rates by up to 400%, average order value by up to 60%, and repeat visits by up to 300%. Gamified virtual stores can also help brands collect valuable data on customer behavior, preferences, and feedback, which can be used to improve their products, services, and marketing strategies.
Gamified virtual stores are the future of online retail. They offer a unique way to showcase products, tell brand stories, and connect with customers. Retailers who want to attract more customers and boost their online sales this holiday season should consider creating a gamified virtual store for their brand. They can use platforms like Obsess, Emperia, or Elizabeth Arden to design and launch their own virtual store in minutes and get inspired by the virtual stores of other brands like Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, and Elizabeth Arden, who have updated their virtual stores for the holiday season. Gamified virtual stores are the ultimate way to stand out from the crowd and delight shoppers with gamified virtual stores.
Crafting Engaging Games for Physical and Virtual Products
Imagine customers not only browse through your product catalog but also embark on interactive adventures that seamlessly blend physical and virtual purchases. With the help of the right gamification service provider, there are countless gamification activities that you can use for your product, creating a higher value for your product as well as increasing customer loyalty. Gamification can create immersive and enjoyable experiences that motivate customers to interact with products, brands, and other users. Furthermore, gamification can bridge the gap between physical and virtual products, offering customers a phygital experience that combines the best of both worlds. Gamification can also create phygital products, which are physical products with a digital counterpart or extension. Phygital products can offer customers a holistic and seamless experience that combines the tangible and intangible aspects of a product.
For example, a retailer can create a game that links a physical product, such as a toy, a book, or a jewelry, to an NFT that represents a digital product, such as a character, a story, or a design. The game can then allow customers to interact with both the physical and the digital product and enjoy the benefits of both. For example, a game can feature a physical toy that comes with an NFT that unlocks a digital character in a virtual world and then allows customers to play with both the toy and the character and even trade or exchange them with other users. This empowers brands to create games that go beyond the ordinary, offering users virtual try-ons, interactive product exploration, and exclusive in-game purchases.
Experiential Retail for the Digital Natives
During the holiday season, the focus is on attracting Gen Z shoppers, who make up a significant portion of global consumers. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z seeks more than just products; they crave experiences, stories, and connections. Gamified virtual stores, especially those powered by Level Up and Agate, cater perfectly to these digital natives by providing personalized, interactive, and social shopping experiences.
Picture customers skiing down a virtual mountain to discover winter-themed products (Bloomingdale’s), indulging in a sweet adventure in a chocolate wonderland (J.Crew), or enjoying a spa experience in the French Alps (L’Occitane). These examples showcase the diversity of gamified experiences, and your brand can draw inspiration from these success stories.
The Power of Gamified Virtual Stores
According to Obsess, gamified virtual stores can increase conversion rates by up to 400%, average order values by up to 60%, and repeat visits by up to 300%. Beyond the immediate boost in sales, the data collected from these experiences provides brands with invaluable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and feedback.
Practicality meets innovation with tools like Obsess, Emperia, and Elizabeth Arden, empowering brands to design and launch their own gamified virtual stores. Take cues from industry leaders like Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, and Elizabeth Arden, who have revamped their virtual stores for the holiday season, staying ahead in the online retail game.
The Future of Online Retail
As we look towards the future, it’s evident that gamified virtual stores are not just a trend but the future of online retail. Don’t miss the opportunity to revolutionize your brand’s online presence. Collaborate with Level Up, powered by Agate, and embark on a journey to create a gamified virtual store that captivates, engages, and converts. Elevate your online sales and provide customers with an experience they won’t forget.
The key to creating a truly dynamic gamified virtual store lies in collaboration with the right experts. Level Up powered by Agate, stands out as a pioneering force in both game development and providing gamification solutions for businesses. By leveraging their expertise, brands can breathe life into their virtual stores, creating an unforgettable experience that transcends traditional online shopping.
If you are interested in learning more about gamification and how it can benefit you or your organization
Check out our gamification services page and contact us today. We are ready to help you create a gamification experience that aligns with your needs and preferences.
Author
Junialdi Dwijaputra
Dias Setyanto
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