Shopaholics Rejoice: Virtual Stores Could Become Reality
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Online shopping is typically fast and convenient, allowing people to avoid the crowds and purchase items from their smartphones or computer.
But for some shopaholics that out-of-store experience isn't enough for them to get their fix... until now.
Miami-based company, Avenue Planet, has created a virtual-reality shopping experience that will let people walk the streets of 12 different famous shopping centers from around the world, without ever leaving their home.
The app is not yet available to the public but developer, Kabir Frutos, whose spent four years working on the app, explained to CBS Miami how it works. Users put their smartphones into a pair of Virtual Reality goggles and can virtually walk into stores to begin buying. Even online retailers without brick and mortar shops will have the opportunity to open a virtual store.
Avenue Planet also developed a Virtual Reality payment system called, APay which lets users pay for products they encounter in the app without leaving the virtual world.
If shopping isn't your thing, the app will have other Virtual experiences like exploring underwater and attending concerts or sports games.
Avenue Planet says they plan to launch in December -- which will come just in time for people who like to avoid the malls around the holidays. No word on whether there will be a virtual reality photo op with Santa!