BENTONVILLE, Ark., Jan. 30, 2024 — At Walmart, we are committed to being there for our customers — whenever, wherever and however they choose to shop with us, the customer is at the center of everything we do. We strive to streamline the entire shopping experience, seamlessly integrating it into our customers' daily lives. Adaptive retail is how we help deliver on our purpose of live better, so customers can shop more seamlessly across platforms and space.
We know that helping customers better visualize how products will look in real life not only saves them time but also gives them confidence that the items they need are going to work for them and their lives. With adaptive retail, Walmart is bringing the best aspects of any one channel to the other, so in recent years, Walmart has increased investments in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to better assist customers in envisioning how fashion, beauty and home items would look virtually.
We are excited to announce that we will be expanding this offering to enhance the way customers shop for eyewear with our new Optical Virtual Try-On. Beginning next month, customers will be able to virtually "try on" frames and purchase prescription eyewear online through the Walmart app or directly on Walmart.com.
"As a company, our commitment is to provide our customers with a shopping experience that exceeds expectations – one that is easy, engaging and personalized. With our latest addition, we are offering our customers yet another dimension of choice, meeting them exactly where they are in their shopping journey. This is a testament to our continuous efforts to redefine and elevate the shopping experience," said Tom Ward, EVP and chief eCommerce officer of Walmart U.S.
See it, believe it: an elevated shopping experience
While the concept of virtual try-on is not new, Walmart is taking it to the next level. Unlike other platforms, Walmart uses 3D data and advanced algorithms to create a digital twin of eyewear frames, resulting in a more realistic virtual try-on (VTO) experience.
To virtually “try-on” more than 750 trend-focused eyewear options on Walmart.com or in the Walmart app simply click on the 'Try them on' flag in the main image on the product page. Allow the facial scan and view the glasses as if you were wearing them looking in the mirror. Next, customize the lenses that work best for you. Upload your valid prescription. Allow a scan to capture your pupillary distance measurements and add your customized glasses to your cart. What’s even better, is that we have trained opticians in our Vision Centers across the country ready to help answer questions throughout the process. Once you receive your online shipment, you can visit your local Walmart Vision Center and work with an optician to get any finishing touches.
“As a trusted health and wellness destination for over 33 years, we are dedicated to expanding our assortment and services to ensure we’re meeting our customers’ evolving needs – to live better and healthier lives. We continue to focus on improving access and convenience for our customers by allowing them to shop how and where they want. With the launch of Optical Virtual Try-On and online prescription eyewear shopping, we are taking the next step to help customers see better to live better,” said David Reitnauer, VP Optical, Walmart Health & Wellness.
Helping customers see better to live better
We are committed to delivering a 'One Walmart' experience for our customers at Vision Centers across the country, no matter where or how they shop. Over the past year, we've made significant investments in our Vision Centers, including:
- Expanding our assortment: We know how important providing high-quality and affordable eyewear is to our customers. We offer more than 1,000 frames under $150 to provide customers with on-trend eyewear at Every Day Low Prices. Over the past few years, Walmart has grown its assortment to include on-trend brands including DKNY, Columbia, Bebe, Nautica and Nike Eyewear to meet customers' demands for stylish options at affordable prices.
- Reimagining our Vision Centers: We've reimagined our Vision Center shopping experience in stores around the country to focus on what customers have shared is important to them, which includes elevated storefronts for an enhanced opportunity to find the best fit and style. By the end of the year, we will have over 3,000 Vision Centers nationwide, allowing customers to easily fill valid prescriptions for prescription eyewear, sunglasses, reading glasses and contact lenses.
- Investing in our associates: We couldn’t meet and exceed the expectations of our customers without our vision associates. They don’t just care for patients – they build relationships. Last year, we launched new certification and licensure programs leading to higher-paying roles and more career opportunities, and increased pay for over 4,000 opticians. Investing in our associates and helping them grow their careers with new skills and knowledge is our top priority.
If you wear glasses, you know how rewarding it is to find eyewear that fits your style, budget and vision needs. At Walmart, we are helping customers check all those boxes in a convenient, one-stop shop and are committed to showing up in new and innovative ways to help make their shopping experience not just easier, but exciting and inspirational.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 240 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2023 revenue of $611 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.
