Ashley Furniture Partners with Virtual Reality Leader for Virtual Design and Visualization
Ashley Furniture Industries (Ashley), the world’s largest manufacturer of furniture and North America’s largest furniture retailer, announced today that they are pursuing a company-wide virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) strategy to enable consumers to create interior layouts and experience living spaces in 3D.
“Augmented and virtual reality are essential to our growth and vision for the future,” said Todd Wanek, Ashley’s President and CEO. “Our data shows that a combination of 3D visualization, seeing, touching and feeling actual products, combined with the consultation of our knowledgeable salespeople, will lead to a stand-apart customer experience that is location-flexible.”
To take advantage of this opportunity, Ashley is working closely with Marxent, the leader in augmented reality and virtual reality for products and spaces, using the company’s VisualCommerce™ platform to create and scale their product catalogue and publish new 3D product experiences for augmented reality and virtual reality.
“We are committed to creating a seamless omni-channel customer experience and, with Marxent, we found the platform and the partner who can deliver,” Wanek said.
The first product of this relationship is the Ashley augmented reality shopping app, which will help shoppers see how home furnishings fit into an existing space. Furthermore, in-store virtual reality tech bars will combine a guided iPad-based space configuration experience with VR headset visualization, allowing shoppers to design and visualize their bedrooms, dining rooms or living rooms.
“Ashley has a history of innovation and using technology to differentiate and create exceptional value for customers. Putting AR and VR at the center of the Ashley shopping experience makes sense for them as a growth strategy,” said Beck Besecker, CEO and co-founder of Marxent. “Their commitment to this vision is clear and we’re excited to be a part of Ashley’s future vision of retail.”
Stay tuned for more information in 2017 on the Ashley store locations that will be going virtual.
Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. (Ashley) feels that every person deserves more value for their money. Established in 1945, Ashley is one of the largest manufacturers of home furnishings in the world. From design through fulfillment, Ashley is committed to delivering the world’s best home furnishing values, selection and service, and earning the loyalty and trust of its customers every day. Visit Ashley online at www.ashleyfurniture.com.
Ashley HomeStore is committed to being your trusted partner and style leader for the home. This commitment has made Ashley HomeStore the No. 1 furniture retailer in the U.S. and one of the world’s best-selling furniture store brands with more than 670 locations in 35 countries.
Start designing your dream home today. Visit Ashley HomeStore online at www.ashleyhomestore.com. “Like” Ashley HomeStore on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or see our design-focused boards on Pinterest.
About Marxent
Marxent is the leader in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and 3D solutions for the home furnishings, building products and homebuilding industries. Marxent’s VisualCommerce™ platform leverages 3D visualization in combination with easy to use applications that make it fast and easy for prospective customers to configure, design and visualize a space. Designed to accelerate purchase decisions at sales centers, the platform enables customers to virtually experience their prospective home purchase. Clients include Fortune 500 retailers, builders and manufacturers including Ashley Furniture, American Woodmark, AZEK Building Products and USG.
