• by Colin Kirkland , February 1, 2023

Italian fashion brand Pinko has announced the launch of its first-ever virtual store to celebrate the opening of its new Milan boutique.

The store was developed using the Emperia platform and will offer customers a personalized, immersive experience. 

In a recent statement, Pinko said the virtual store aims to drive brand recognition and “tap into new female communities” while supporting women who wish to express their femininity in whatever way they choose. 

Bridging the gap between virtual and physical worlds, users will have the chance to purchase Pinko’s Meta Love Bags, a collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that marked the company’s first step into the metaverse back in November.

The NFTs grant buyers access to an exclusive Pinko community, early access to future NFT drops and other rewards. 

Pinko’s new virtual store -- an extension of the new Milan brick-and-mortar -- appears futuristic and pink (intensely pink), allowing customers to purchase products from the new boutique directly from the metaverse store while also interacting with them through 3D modeling. 

Emperia develops immersive virtual stores for the retail and fashion sectors, having worked with brands such as Dior, Bloomingdale’s, Burberry, Lacoste and others. The company says that its 3D technology aims to provide clear representation of branded merchandise in virtual spaces, allowing brands to then sell products in a way that simulates a realistic shopping experience.

Pinko has over 250 single brand and franchised stores around the world, as well as 1500 wholesale sales outlets.