Retail technology innovation of the week: Walmart engages next generation of customers with Zepeto launch

Retail Technology Innovation of the Week is a series brought to you by RTIH, and sponsored by 3D Cloud, highlighting stand out deployments, launches, and initiatives by retailers and tech suppliers.

Every week, we will showcase forward thinking tech plays that have impressed our Editor and the Retail Technology Innovations Report judging panel, alongside the publication of the 2024 report.

So far, we’ve flagged up sterling work being done by Ocado Retail, Decathlon, Lacoste, Downtown Spirits, TalkShopLive, Huck’s, Rovertown, Wing, Nobody’s Child, IKI, Pixevia, A.L.C., Archive, Therabody, Outform, Kingfisher, PMC, Boots UK, Ocula Technologies, Grace O'Malley Irish Whiskey, Metacask, Ikea, Carrefour Belgium, Matalan, and McDonald’s.

And this week we’re focusing on Walmart’s young adult clothing brand, No Boundaries, which has officially launched on Zepeto, an Asian avatar centric social universe.

In a LInkedIn post, Sawhorse Productions said: “Our team is thrilled to build on our work with Walmart to engage younger audiences by activating this rapidly growing UGC platform.”

“The NoBo drop includes ten virtual versions of pieces from the line’s fall collection. And we brought the community in by collaborating with Zepeto creator, Xexi, to design limited edition items. We also created a twisted prep photobooth backdrop, knowing that Zepeto users love the in-game photo booth function.”

It added: “Sawhorse is passionate about helping brands navigate the immersive/gaming space. Is Zepeto new to you? It’s a platform to watch - ultra fast growth, truly global user base and a highly engaged community.”

Justin Breton, Walmart Director of Brand Experiences and Strategic Partnerships, Walmart, added: “This launch builds on our momentum with Walmart Discovered on Roblox and Walmart Realm with Emperia and the importance of connecting with the next generation of customers in meaningful ways on platforms where they’re spending their time.”

“And data and insights about this younger customer suggest we're on the right path: 56% of Gen Z say visiting a brand’s virtual experience improves perception; 97% turn to social media as their main source of shopping inspiration; 42% use their virtual avatar to test fashion items they might buy IRL.”

“And this is just the beginning! Our second virtual NoBo drop launches 22nd November.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Immersive experiences are a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which are now closed for entries.

The awards, sponsored by Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.