As brands look for easily incorporated multi-sensory aspect to add to consumer-facing events, many are opting to host virtual reality activations that provide a full immersion in an experience entirely designed by the brand. From flavor journeys that recreate the cultivation of a popular cheese to in-store sledding stunts that transport shoppers to the Arctic, there are plenty of virtual reality applications that can enhance the in-store experience and add a memorable aspect to any brand pop-up.
Hosted by Reebok at the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend in Nashville, an athletic virtual reality experience allowed attendees to face off against some of the hockey stars playing in the annual tournament. The interactive experience used the Samsung VR system and used haptic communication to replicate the feeling of being body checked by another player.
24 Virtual Reality Activations

24
Couture VR Experiences
Dior Eyes is a Branded Virtual Reality Headset for Interacting with Clients

23
Experiential Beer Lounges
The Budweiser Beer Garage is the Latest SXSW 2016 Activation from A-B

22
Soda Brand Factory Visits
This Coca-Cola Brazil Campaign Was a Response to Negative Rumors
21
Multi-Sensory Warehouse Installations
'29Rooms' Immerses Refinery29 Readers in Real-World Content
20
In-Store Immersion Pods
The Bompas & Parr 'Taste Pod' Debuted a Thorntons Store in London
19
VR Painting Experiences
McDonald's Helps Fans Unleash Their Inner Artist with VR Art at SXSW
18
Nature Walk Simulators
Merrell's Virtual Reality Experience Highlights the Beauty of Nature
17
Pop-Up Eco-Energy Labs
The Shell Eco-Marathon Experience Took Place in Rotterdam
16
Virtual Reality Santa Visits
The JCPenney VR Santa Experience is Driving In-Store Traffic
15
Virtual Flight Experiences
Stella Artois Presented a VR-Powered Bird's Eye View of Wimbledon
14
Vacation-Inspired VR Events
This Kayak Pop-Up Transported People to Miami Via VR
13
Immersive Whiskey Simulators
Jim Beam's Virtual Reality Simulator Puts You in the Place of Whiskey
12
VR Shopping Campaigns
Westfield's Future Fashion Project Leverages Augmented Reality
11
Virtual Reality Flavor Journeys
The Boursin Sensorium is a VR-Powered 3D Exploration of Cheese
10
VR Cricket Experiences
'A Proper Ball' is a VR Event from Yorkshire Tea and the ECB
9
VR Painting Experiences
Hieronymus Bosch's Artwork Now Immerses the Viewer in Virtual Reality
8
Iconic Sneaker Simulations
In Their Chucks is an Interactive Digital Campaign from Converse
7
Immersive Hockey VR Campaigns
Reebok Hosted a VR Pop-Up at the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend
6
Virtual Reality Studios
Samsung is Opening a VR Studio in New York City
5
Flavor-Controlling Musical Instruments
The Flavor Conductor Uses Sound & Light to Influence Tastes
4
Indoor Sledding Stunts
North Face's Dog Sledding VR Experience Launches a Real-Life Race
3
Sensory Conference Events
Mashable's MashBash is an Interactive Party at South by Southwest
2
Virtual Reality Coffee Tours
This Nescafe 360-Degree Video Showcases International Coffee Growers
1
Festive VR Dining Experiences
TGI Fridays' Holiday Experience Transports Diners to the Arctic
Related Ideas
AR Beverage Launches
Monster Energy Revealed Fantasy Ruby Red in Augmented Reality
Exclusive Energy Drink Installations
Red Bull Debuts 'Red Bull Mirage' at Coachella
Digital Brand-Made Arenas
Nike Partners with EA Sports to Create a New Stadium in FC 25
Recruitment Metaverse Shops
IKEA on Roblox Merges Virtual Gaming and Real-World Job Opportunities
Mixologist-Crafted Beverage Creations
PepsiCo will Host a 'DRIPS by Pepsi' Pop-Up in New York
Experiential Luggage Events
The BÉIS Bloomingdale’s Takeover Featured a Human Claw Machine
High-Profile Brand Launch Events
NO CAP! Soda Pop is Launching with Marshmello on August 4th
Experimental Film Motels
The Mountain Dew Borderlands Motel Brings the Video Game to Life
Illusionary Ice-Hotel Beauty Pop-Ups
Lancôme Hosted an Exclusive Rose Ice-Hotel Activation
Customizable Shoe Decorating Events
adidas Hosts a DIY 'Style Your Toe' Pop-Up Event in Hong Kong
Luxury Bowling-Inspired Installations
Jacquemus Brings Flair with an Immersive Store Experience
Immersive Fashion Pop-Ups
SHEIN Launches Multi-Category Toronto Shopping Experience This Spring
AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
Immersive 3D Fashion Exhibits
Portal:M x Virtual Fashion Exhibition Host a Phygital Experience
Cinematic Colosseum Experiences
PEPSI x Regal Celebrate Gladiator II with the 'Pepsi COLAsseum'
Modern Newsstand Skincare Pop-Ups
Neutrogena x AIRE Health Hosted a Thematic Event
Entertaining AI-Driven Experiences
Lotte and Arbitrum Partner for the Coalesced 'Lotte Caliverse'
90's Archival Footwear Pop-Ups
Dr. Martens Hosted a 'Buzz Bus' in NYC
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Groundbreaking AR Posters
Wall's Out-of-Home Ads Make AR Experiences Unmissable with WinDOOH Tech
AI-Powered Bakery Pop-Ups
The Betty Crocker Dream Bake Studio Beats "Baker's Block" with AI
Experiential Retail Destinations
Lacoste Opens Interactive Vancouver Store with Custom Options
Multi-Sensory ASMR Experiences
Valentino Beauty's Dubai Airport Pop-Up Featured Gilded Visuals
Concert-Centric Makeup Activations
Sephora Canada will Launch 'Shimmer Studio by Sephora' Pop-Up
Immersive Brand Concepts
LG Hosted its 'Affectionate Intelligence' Event at CES 2025
Personalized Digital Playgrounds
Pringles Poptopia is an Immersive, Engaging Experience for Fans
Fruit-Stand-Inspired Vodka Pop-Ups
Kylie Jenner’s Canned Vodka Soda will Host an Event in NYC
5g-Enabled Retail Showcases
Singtel is Surpassing Consumer Expectations with 5G Retail
AR-Powered Vending Machines
Snapchat and L’Oréal Made a Gamified Lens to Share Refillable Haircare
Gamified Beauty Pop-Ups
The Players' Lounge Pop-Up by NARS Spotlights Complexion Products
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
AR-Enhanced Hair Dye Boxes
L’Oréal & Snapchat Brought an AR Packaging Experience to Walmart
Collaborative VR Art Experiences
Chanel Presents the A Conversation with the Sun Show
Immersive Fragrance Retail Locations
The Perfume Shop Experiential Store is Located in Stockport
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Phygital Beauty Store Experiences
Sephora's Store of the Future Locations are Immersive
Multi-Sensory Flagship Stores
KATE Shibuya Offers Immersive Digital and Physical Experiences
AR Locker Rooms
Snapchat and Selfridges Created a Pop-Up for Virtually Trying on Sports Kits
Tailored Retail Experiences
Levi’s Reinvents Retail with NextGen Indigo Shopping Experience
Luxe Pop-Up Experiences
Victoria Beckham Beauty Hosts an 8-Day Pop-Up for New Fragrance Launch
Immersive Sports Engagement Solutions
Sportradar Expands Its Partnership with the NBA
Influencer-Focused Retail Stores
Princess Polly is Adding New Stores with Selfie Mirrors, Events
Virtual Flavor Simulators
Researchers Developed a Device to Stimulate Taste in Virtual Worlds
Alpine Dining Experiences
Moncler and Luxottica Hosted a Meal on the Snow at a Ski Resort
Holographic Fragrance Installations
The Perfume Shop Stores Incorporate Holographic Technology
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
Nature-Reconnecting Outdoor Campaigns
Mammut Encouraged People to Reconnect with Nature
QSR-Inspired Interactive Metaverses
McDonald's Singapore Launched the My Happy Place Metaverse
Interactive AR Storefronts
Spotselfie AR Meta Stores Tie Real-World Places to Virtual Storefronts
AR Retailer Haircare Experiences
Walmart Beauty Virtual Try-On Now Includes Hair Color Products
Novel Fitness Raves
Les Mills and adidas Offered a Ground-Breaking Fitness Rave Event
Culturally Rich Sports Stores
adidas' New 'Home of Sport' Flagship Features Unique Digital Tools
Premium Athleticwear Pop-Ups
Reigning Champ Announces Pop-Up in Toronto’s Yorkdale Centre
Immersive Multimedia Experiences
Sony Pictures' Wonderverse is an Engaging Entertainment Stop
Physical Metaverse Merchandise Stores
Roblox will Sell Physical Goods with Shopify
Immersive Gondola Displays
ColourPop is Getting a New Immersive Makeover at ULTA
Immersive Coffee Pop-Ups
Ninja will Host the Ninja Luxe Café 'House of Vibes' Event in NYC
Immersive Entertainment Venues
Netflix Houses Feature Eateries, Experiential Activities & More
Virtual AI Snow Globes
Coca-Cola Unveils a Festive AI Campaign at its Piccadilly Lights Residency
Premium-Quality VR Experiences
'Sandbox VR' in Toronto Offers Fully Immersive Journeys through VR
Fragrance-Focused Escape Rooms
The Perfume Shop Created the UK’s First Perfume-Themed Escape Room
Colorfully Immersive Retail Experiences
Al-Jawad Pike Designs a Athletic Propulsion Labs Store
AR-Powered Try-On Rooms
Snapchat Unveils a New AR Locker Room at Selfridges Oxford Street London
Mixed-Reality Wellness Apps
Alo Moves XR Creates Immersive Fitness Experiences on Meta Quest 3
Collaborative Cosmo Experiences
Absolut x Paris Hilton Present the 'Absolut House of Cosmo'
Nostalgia-Inspired Experiences
Bubble Planet Creates a Sensory Journey with Distinct Bubble Rooms
Authentication Awareness Pop-Ups
The RealReal Pop-Up Showcases Handbags at Dupe Store Installation
Secret Sleep Pop-Ups
The IKEA Sleepeasy Welcomes Guests Through a Hidden Door
Active Lifestyle-Supporting Campaigns
Kellogg's® Vector® Launches the Become Your Player Campaign
Immersive Intimate Brand Pop-Ups
The Knix Pop-Up in Yorkdale Shopping Centre is Exciting
Immersive Scotch Whisky Journeys
The Macallan Celebrated 200 Years with a Multisensory Experience
Scan-to-VR Technologies
Teleport by Varjo Creates Digital Twins for Real-World Locations
Vintage Camera Experiences
Nikon’s Vintage Pop-Up Diner Teases the Past at Yorkdale Mall
AI-Powered Beverage Events
Momentum Worldwide Elevates the New Coke Spiced Event with AI
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Haribo's Mobile Games Gives People of All Ages the Chance to Win
Family-Friendly LEGO Installations
The National Bank Open will Feature an Interactive LEGO Pop-Up
Immersive Halloween-Themed VR Experiences
Zero Latency VR Offers Suspenseful 'Halloween Thrills'
Immersive Beauty Shopping Experiences
e.l.f. Cosmetics Launches a New Collaboration with Obsess
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Immersive VR Shopping Apps
Mytheresa Worked with Obsess on New Apple Vision Pro App
Festival-Ready Celebrity DJ Activations
Absolut Vodka Welcomes Paris Hilton at the House of Cosmo
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
VR Physiotherapy Tools
A Team of UniSA Researchers Created Superhero Therapy for Pain Management
Experiential Airline Stores
The Emirates World Travel Store Features Lounge Displays
Memory-Making AR Experiences
Rokid Celebrated Dads This Father's Day with AR & AI
Immersive Cereal Cities
Kellogg's Town Welcomes Virtual Visitors in a Breakfast World
Virtual Pub Museums
Heineken Pub Museums Spotlight Important Cultural Locations
Luxury AR Packaging Solutions
Mytheresa Released App-Controlled Innovative Product Packagings
Soccer-Themed Fragrance Pop-Ups
Hugo Boss Presents an Immersive Activation in Brazil and Argentina
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
Personalized Pint Pop-Ups
The World of Guinness Created Community During the Holiday Season
Holographic Health Concierges
Immertia Created an AR Assistant for One A Day's Packaging
Immersive Multimodal AI Headsets
The Android XR Supports VR, AR and MR
Interactive Fantasy Universe Attractions
VIBRANT Debuts DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: The Immersive Quest
Virtual Brand Fragrance Experiences
L'Occitane en Provence Launches a Line of Summer Fragrances
Web3 Fashion Show Initiatives
Runway Magazine Launches Re-Inventing the Runway
Stylish Soda Pop-Ups
Poppi World Enticed Health-Conscious, Fashionable Visitors During NYFW
Influencer-Led Virtual Shops
Walmart Launches the New Walmart Realm Digital E-Commerce Experience
Immersive Muscle Car Experiences
Dodge's Virtual Experience Debuts Its Next-Generation Muscle Cars
Virtual Sneaker Authentication Services
Real Authentication Has Expanded to the Sneaker Market
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Olfacory Experience Metaverses
Guardians of Memories Helps Gen Z & Alpha Discover Fragrance
Superhero-Themed AR Sodas Cans
Coca-Cola's Marvel Universe Packaging Boasts Immersive Features
Collaborative 3D Art Installations
Samsung Canada x Nicolas Abtan Debut the Re:Frame Installation
Retail Innovation-Focused Events
Spar International Hosts the Spar Transform Event to Boost Retail
Experiential Giveaway Pop-Ups
The Moment Shop Helps AIR MILES Members Bring Experiences to Life
Immersive Holiday Experiences
Simons and Rodeo FX Debut a Stunning Multi-Media Experience
Local Eatery-Elevated Soda Campaigns
Pepsi is Running Immersive Experiences for the Super Bowl LIX
AR Sports Drink Bottles
BODYARMOR's Limited-Edition Collectible Bottles Engage Sports Fans
3D Beauty Shopping Experiences
Benefit Cosmetics and Obsess Team Up on a 3D Shopping Experience
Mobile Collagen-Branded Trucks
Revive Collagen Boosts Engagement with Branded Mobile Truck
Imaginative Shopping Platforms
Walmart Realm Shares Influencer-Curated Shopping Environments
Interactive App-Themed Game Maps
Twitch Unveiled 'The Glitch' Brand Map in Fortnite for Twitchcon
Virtual Reality Gameplay Chairs
The New Roto VR Explorer Chair Rotates with Virtual Movement
Engaging Isolation-Combatting Pop-Ups
LEGO Group Debuts the Interactive Le Florist Flower Truck
Immersive Store Screens
Hays Travel Introduces Immersive Technology to Transform Holiday Planning
Dynamic Immersive Play Museums
LEGO Group Presents the Superhero Studios Initiative in Paris
Immersive Gaming Activations
The Samsung Odyssey Gaming Booth Launches at Toronto's Union Station
Customer-Exclusive Brand Trips
Cocokind is Hosting a Customer Brand Trip to Napa Valley in 2025
Motivational AR Packaging
RXBAR's No B.S. Motivator Experience Enhances Packaging with Holograms
Camera Gear Product Displays
GoPro Has Announced a Significant Retail Expansion at Best Buy
Events-Focused Retail Spaces
The Brick Spot from LEGO Group Features Interactive Party Elements
Immersive Soccer Player Experiences
The Messi Experience Lets Visitors Interact Through AI
Industry-Leading VR Headsets
HTC is Returning to The VR Industry with a New Gaming Headset
Resourceful Digital Platform Events
Meta will Host an Immersive Instagram Family Pop-Up in NYC
Innovative Digital Signage
Creative Realities Enhances Fan Engagement & Outcomes with New Signage
VR Horror Hotel Experiences
Dracula's Hotel is an Immersive and Transportive Test of Fear
Connected Store Window Stickers
Alo Entices Users to Its Alo Yoga Sanctuary with NFC Stickers
Immersive Keyboard-Focused Events
Logitech's Pop Icon Keys Event Merges Technology and Expression
Gastronomic Immersive Design Installations
V-Zug Hosts the Banquet Echoes Installation
Interactive Store Hubs
The Samsung Experience Store at Scarborough is a New Hub for Tech Lovers
Collaborative Esports Events
Samsung and GIANTX are Hosting an Activation at EGX Comic Con
Advanced Retail Campaign Kiosks
Freeosk and Place Exchange Partnered for Integrated Campaigns
Virtual Personal Care Metaverses
Superdrug is the First Health and Beauty Brand to Debut in Roblox
Gaming Experience-Enhancing Innovations
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. Debuts New Gaming Innovations
Athlete-Inspired Interactive Experiences
Gatorade Canada's G Arena Was Held from August 22 to 24
Reinterpreted Immersive Events
The Wizard of Oz 360 Experience Retells the Classic Tale
Virtual-First QSR Brands
IHOP Unveils a New Expansion for its Virtual Restaurant Concepts
AR Merchandising Tools
Instore Activation Enhances Trade Marketing With Real-Time AR Solutions