Hypebeasts and sneaker purists take note: StockX has brought its resale marketplace to Apple’s Vision Pro. Joining a roster of brands taking the leap into spatial computing via the headsets — which were released early last month — StockX’s entry marks a new era for streetwear resellers, collectors, and hardcore connoisseurs. Can the move give the struggling resale platform a much-needed boost?
In other Web3 news this week, Adidas has launched its first stand-alone store on Roblox following the stellar success of its previous in-game activations, while sports legend Lionel Messi is on a mission to bring sustainable sports merchandise to the virtual space.
StockX launches new shopping experience via Apple’s Vision Pro#
What happened: Online marketplace and sneakerhead hotspot StockX has released an immersive shopping app for Apple’s newly launched spatial computer headset, the Vision Pro. The experience allows consumers to browse StockX’s full product catalog using hand and eye movements, engage with real-time interactive market data, and shop user-uploaded outfits.
The verdict: With streetwear buffs and Web3 exponents sharing common ground, StockX’s move into spatial computing makes sense for the demographic. Collectors are continually seeking newness and innovation across the streetwear and sneaker scene; hosting an experience through a product as hyped as the Vision Pro feeds into the novelty factor of sneaker collecting and exclusivity.
The opportunity for brands to create immersive apps for Vision Pro users is growing. In the first 10 days of its official launch, Apple sold over 200,000 units of the headset worldwide, despite its $3,500 price tag and divisively cumbersome appearance. As traditional e-commerce models find themselves becoming obsolete, the Vision Pro marks a new era for shopping.
Adidas unveils a stand-alone retail destination in Roblox#
What happened: Last weekend, Adidas made its presence in Roblox permanent with a stand-alone store, designed to offer the gaming platform’s 200 million monthly players an experiential shopping hub to purchase its branded digital wearables.
The store features over 800 individual products, including footwear, with the catalog expanding weekly with new colors and styles.
The verdict: Adidas has been scoping out the Roblox opportunity over the past few years through a series of smaller, short-term activations. After noticing considerable demand among players for longer-lasting experiences, the brand has swapped its campaign-focused projects for a permanent spot.
It’s a route that all retailers should be considering as gaming hubs influence Gen Alpha’s spending habits.
“I think every brand should ultimately work towards a persistent experience because, that way, you can own the user base a little bit. It’s like if you are partnering with Kim Kardashian and doing an Instagram story, you’re getting those eyeballs for a period of time for a marketing message, but no one can follow you if you don’t have a profile,” Charles Hambro, founder of metaverse data platform GEEIQ, explains.
Messi brings sustainable sports merch to Web3 #
What happened: On March 15, football superstar Lionel Messi will release a new tokenized football cleat, replicating his left boot and crafted entirely from 100% recycled materials sourced from the South American Paraná River. Designed in partnership with Planet Refi, an art platform aiming to provide sustainable solutions to the blockchain ecosystem, each cleat comes with its own digital collectible accessible via a QR code.
Owners will also be able to access a traceable system that shows where the material came from, who made it and when, and the journey it took from beginning to end. Additionally, the system will track the CO2 emissions generated throughout the entire production process.
The verdict: Sports-related merch stands to benefit significantly from integrating Web3 principles like blockchain tech. Token-powered products, for instance, can provide fans with unique, verifiable digital ownership of limited-edition merchandise, creating a novel and exclusive fan experience.
The upswing in Web3-infused merch could also see companies utilize the blockchain as a more sustainable alternative. As of today, the sports merch market remains an often overlooked mega contributor to fashion waste; educating consumers on the product materials and their origins through the blockchain can encourage more conscious choices.