Member Article

Students experience virtual reality retail

The next generation of retail professionals are building their merchandising skills in virtual reality, thanks to an innovative software developer.

vrSoftware has donated £10m for the education of retail students with its vrMockshop - a 3D, interactive shop model which is used by the likes of Nike, Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss.

The software allows students and retailers to create and merchandise a store with hanging and folding merchandise, mannequins, POS materials and posters.

Over 250 educational establishments across the world have been offered the product, and in the UK it has provided support to the likes of the National Skills Academy Retail, The Fashion Retail Academy and Hugh Baird College in Liverpool.

Colin Liversedge, CEO and founder of vrSoftware, said: “I’m a believer in supporting apprenticeship programs and the benefit it reaps in terms of career development.

“Our solutions are already used on a global basis by some of the world’s leading fashion brands, and for me it is a privilege to be in a position to be able to give something back to the retail industry.

“If I can better help prepare these students and apprentices for their future careers and equip them with specific skills which is demanded by the industry then hopefully it will lead to an even more enjoyable workforce.”

The software is being used in apprenticeship programmes, pioneered by the National Skills Academy through its SkillSmart centres.

Jane Rexworthy, head of National Skills Academy for Retail, said: “We are delighted to have developed a partnership with vrSoftware and their vrMockshop software.

“The offer of free software through the National Skills Academy for Retail’s network of retail skills shops, worth around £500,000 now, is of course financially supportive but the software gives our learners a genuine cutting edge when they go out into the job market and the vital retail arena.

“Plus, we can meet our targets for other skills within the software, as it covers functional skills for all learners. It’s refreshing to deal with such a supportive UK company.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .