From May 2007

Retailers with a Second Life presence include:

American Apparel. The sweatshop-free apparel phenomenon is believed to be the first “real world” retailer to set up shop in Second Life. The store features a minimalist design with blonde hardwood floors and rack after rack of bright, solid-colored clothing. The company sells 20 familiar American Apparel items to avatars, and reportedly has sold 12,000 pairs of virtual jeans for $2 each.

Best Buy. The consumer electronics retailer recently announced the opening of Geek Squad Island. Technical support workers, clad in white, short-sleeve button-down shirts, black pants and a badge, offer free computer advice. Plans call for an evolving set of offerings, as well as the staging of regular events on Geek Squad Island.

Circuit City. The electronics retailer partnered with IBM to test the waters. Experiments include an interactive home theater set-up where customers can recreate their own home environments and determine the optimal size TV to purchase. The virtual Circuit City replicates products available in bricks-and-mortar stores and on circuitcity.com.

Sears. Also working with IBM, Sears provides a showcase of what might be possible when using virtual worlds to transform consumer experiences. The store allows consumers to experiment with changing the color of cabinets and countertops in a virtual kitchen, explore 3-D versions of various home theater set-ups and learn how to organize a garage by customizing storage accessories.

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