Marking a profound entrance to retail, HTC has managed to convince the luxury department store Harrods to offer customers a virtual reality experience like non-other on the VIVE. Another coup by the company is the launch of a virtual Kitchen IKEA walk-through on Steam.

A good start with the right partner is essential to generate the type of experience that reflects the performance of virtual reality gears. By signing up these two giant brands, the VIVE already commands a profile worth admiring, a confident boost for HTC…for sure.

Customers walking into Harrods in Kensington will notice a pop-up section on HTC Vive at the 20,000 ft tech floor offering curious patrons a demo experience on some of the compelling VR content offered on the platform. This will enable individuals to try the device and if they like what they felt, pick it up at the store.

The IKEA virtual kitchen experience on the other hand is absolutely remarkable, with the VIVE customers can try out the furniture before buying them with the app. One of the features of IKEA VR Experience is the possibility to change the color of cabinets and drawers with a click. Another feature is the ability to shrink yourself and move around the kitchen in the size of a 3.3 foot (100 cm) tall child. You can also enlarge yourself and experience it as 6.4 feet (195 cm) tall. These features will be useful from a safety perspective, since walking around the room in someone else’s shoes enables you to discover hidden dangers.

Real life application for virtual reality devices will be transforming the way society shapes itself, like how internet and social media changed the way we communicate, the realm of VR will change our thinking.