This furniture startup is investing half a million dollars on virtual reality and contactless shopping in a post-Coronavirus world

• Online furniture startup WoodenStreet is rolling out measures like touch-free store policy, virtual reality and 3D services and sanitized supply chain.
  
• The startup said that it will invest $500,000 (₹38 million) on its stores for the post-Coronavirus world.
  
• This includes virtual contact-less services, virtual reality walkthroughs of a customer’s home via smartphones.
  
• To regulate supply chains, it will train the artisans and delivery teams as per the sanitization standards.

As people adopt social distancing, online furniture startup WoodenStreet is rolling out measures like touch-free store policy, virtual reality and 3D services and a sanitized supply chain. The startup said that it will invest $500,000 (₹38 million) on its stores in the post-Coronavirus world.

“Given how COVID-19 has virtually changed everyone’s behaviour and lifestyle, we want to assure customers of their safety and of our employees so that they feel confident while shopping,” said Lokendra Ranawat, WoodenStreet’s CEO.

This includes virtual contact-less services, virtual reality walkthroughs of a customer’s home via smartphones, sanitization of all its furniture stores and increased use of digital payment methods.

“Implementation of virtual store tools and VR modules will reduce person-to-person interaction. Customers can experience virtual store walkthroughs or products from within their homes,” Ranawat said.

To regulate supply chains, it will train the artisans and delivery teams as per the sanitization standards — including disinfection of manufacturing facilities, warehouses and delivery vehicles, temperature screenings, touch-free delivery.

It’s been a month since the startup closed store operations due to the nationwide lockdown. However, as the infection rates seem to be slowing down in several districts, the company is now planning to open a few of its stores in the green zones.

WoodenStreet is now planning to operate with limited staff at a reduced capacity of 25-30%, allowing only essential employees. While other staff workers can work remotely.

The startup says it will entertain only two families within the store at a time, keeping social distancing norms in mind. The staff and customers will not be allowed to enter without masks. “COVID-19 presents a new avenue of change, where new social norms cannot be taken lightly. Masks and social distancing are here to stay for the long run, and we are ready to embrace these norms,” said Ranawat.

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