VirtualEShopping.com claims to be the "the world's first virtual, 3D shopping mall" though arguably SecondLife was there sometime ago.
Of course, there is the usual download to have the client software to interact with this shopping mall but it seemed to takes ages before one could start to interact. Even more frustrating my first attempt did not work.
The model seems to be to use virtual stores to back into 2D web with referral codes and incentives for customers to transact using coupons. VirtualEShopping's business model revolves around selling advertising at $.10/clickthrough to a 2D website.
There is no doubt that 3D retail is gaining momentum but more professional is needed to raise the standard for creating a superior customer engagement.
Customizing ones avatars is only available once one has invited friends – this does not seem a good idea if you want to look good before your friends see you!!
In return they get a collection of "storefronts" that link back to 2D Web pages with, it looks like, a referral code in place. On the upside, you can collect coupons and find content from stores based on specific cities so "shoppers can preview stores in places they plan to move or visit."
