Walmart seems to be ready for a leap in the metaverse. Recent trademark applications indicate the company is looking to establish its own NFTs and cryptocurrency, according to a report from CNBC.
The retail giant filed for several trademarks on December 30th, suggesting plans to start selling virtual goods, including electronics, toys, appliances, sporting equipment, apparel, home decor, and more, as noted by CNBC. The application mentions the possibility of selling NFTs and offering customers a digital currency. Another application describes possible “physical fitness training services” as well as classes in the field health and nutrition that could be held in AR and VR. The company filed a separate application for the right to use its logo and name in AR and VR.
As pointed out by Bloomberg, Walmart also filed trademarks for the names “Verse to Home,” “Verse to Curb,” and “Verse to Store,” a hint that Walmart may be preparing a virtual shopping experience (that hopefully doesn’t look like the one created for the company in 2017). Some of the filings can be accessed publicly on the US Patent and Trademark Office site. You can access the filings by searching for “Walmart” or “Walmart Connect” on the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).
“Walmart is continuously exploring how emerging technologies may shape future shopping experiences,” Walmart spokesperson Carrie McKnight told The Verge. “We don’t have any further information today but it’s worth noting that we routinely file trademark application as part of our innovation process .”
Last August, Walmart posted a job listing for a cryptocurrency product specialist, one of the first signs of Walmart’s growing interest in the metaverse. Other retailers are taking part in the metaverse movement as well, with Nike looking to cash in on NFTs and virtual sneakers, Adidas selling out of its Into the Metaverse NFT collection, and Gap offering NFTs of its hoodies.
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