Leandro Souza, Marketing Development manager for final distribution at Schneider Electric, explores how virtual reality can spice up point of sale for wholesalers.

Product display has been a perennial problem for wholesalers in the electrical industry.

Both instore and online, demonstrating how a wide range of technical products work, and how they differ from each other, has long been a struggle.

Nothing beats a hands-on demo, where the customer can try out a product for themselves and appreciate what makes it special. Yet in some outlets this simply isn’t practical due to limited space.

However, Virtual reality (VR) has been entertaining consumers for years now, and enjoys growing popularity and wider acceptance.

No longer just a gimmick, VR excelled at product display. With only one or more VR headsets or displays, wholesalers can simulate almost any product with ease and allow customers to explore it fully within a virtual world. All this is possible with minimal investment and minimal space being taken up instore.

VR experiences are also easy to replicate online. A VR app or demo can be offered on the product’s webpage, allowing customers with their own VR equipment to enjoy the experience without having to visit the store.

Lead by example

Schneider Electric is one of the first to demonstrate how VR point of sale (POS) can be done, using its latest connected distribution board the Acti9 Isobar P. Acti9 Isobar P is engineered to help electricians, contractors and panel builders perform installations as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible.

It is the first distribution board to have a plug-on RCBO, which can be plugged directly into the board, eliminating the need to cut, straighten or dress any excess wiring.

Through their computer monitor or mobile device, customers are able to view the Acti9 Isobar P from multiple angles, and can even simulate the installation process.

We have only glimpsed at what VR is capable of. As the technology advances it is sure to become more familiar at POS and will redefine the customer experience in years to come.

It is up to manufacturers and wholesalers to get ahead of the curve before the bandwagon arrives.

To find out more about the virtual reality kit, visit: www.schneider-electric.co.uk/en/