Buy+ users need to wear a VR headset and maneuver two hand-controllers to enter a virtual shopping environment with 360-degree views. They can chat with a shopping assistant named Xiaoyu and browse through products. Bags, shoes, even lingerie-all are there to hold and feel, so to speak.
Shoppers can even see virtual models in the apparel catwalk right in front of their eyes.
The Hangzhou-based Alibaba is yet to announce the public launch of Buy+, which is still under beta testing.
VR is still at a nascent stage in China. Much of the VR revenue comes from the gaming and entertainment industries. But an unfazed Alibaba is betting on VR-driven e-commerce.