Webby Awards 2025 ‘AI, Immersive & Games, Retail & Shopping Webby Winner’ and ‘People’s Voice Winner’

Breaking Through The Noise | Background

Gen Z—caught in an endless scroll of sponsored ads and digital noise. Traditional approaches to retail engagement simply weren’t enough. Walmart faced a critical challenge: how to elevate the perception as a digital retail innovator and genuinely connect with a generation that values creators, gaming, and community. The goal was clear: redefine how Gen Z shops and experiences retail.

A New Dimension In Shopping | The Idea

To solve this, Walmart envisioned a groundbreaking platform: Walmart Realm—the world’s first influencer-curated, immersive shopping marketplace. Combining the trust Gen Z places in creators with the vibrant worlds of gaming, Walmart Realm redefined commerce in the age of XR.

Creators curated virtual stores—personalized, visually stunning worlds stocked with their favorite Walmart products. These virtual spaces not only allowed creators to express their unique branding but also enabled them to earn commissions and reach new followers. Shoppers, in turn, could explore inspiring designs, discover trending styles, and even use augmented reality to visualize products within their homes.

Walmart Realm wasn’t just a virtual experience; it was an entirely new channel that turned shopping into a dynamic, engaging adventure.

Redefining Retail | The Impact

The launch of Walmart Realm was nothing short of transformative:

In 2024, Walmart Realm solidified Walmart’s position as a leader in immersive retail. By tapping into Gen Z’s love of creators, gaming, and interactive media, Walmart didn’t just adapt to the future of retail—it set the standard.

COMPANY: Sawhorse