Amazon’s Prime Video Launches Virtual Shopping Experience for ”Gen V” Series
Amazon’s video streaming service, Prime Video, is expanding its offerings to include an e-commerce shopping experience. The retailer announced today the launch of a virtual shopping experience linked initially to one of its series, “Gen V,” a young adult superhero series and spin-off of “The Boys.” The company suggests that it may offer similar experiences for other Prime Video series and movies in the future.
Exploring the Fictitious University and Campus Store
Amazon refers to “Gen V” as its “first-ever” e-commerce shopping experience on Prime Video. Users can visit the show’s detail page where they can then explore the fictional Godolkin University of ”Gen V” through an immersive virtual campus tour and the Campus Store. The tour takes viewers to the student union and a campus store where they can purchase products from Godolkin University and other dormitory items.
Interactive Campus Experience
The 360-degree experience also includes an interactive campus map, information about superhero statues in the courtyard, an “orientation” video at the student union, and locations such as Vought-a-Burger, dormitories, and soon, the Dean Shetty’s office.
Seamless Shopping Experience
As users navigate the campus store, they can click on items they wish to purchase, which opens a window to complete the transaction on Amazon.com by clicking the yellow “Buy Now” button.
Image Credits: Amazon
Following the Trend of Merchandising
The idea of linking merchandise with original series and movies is not unique: Netflix established its own merchandising division to help drive products related to popular shows like “Stranger Things” and now manages its own online store at Netflix.shop with clothing, collectibles, toys, and more from a variety of programs and movies. Hulu also attempted to open a store with ugly sweaters and holiday products in previous years. And last year, Disney+ connected its streaming service with an exclusive store for its subscribers featuring brands like Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Animation Studios, and Pixar that could be purchased directly from the service’s detail pages.
Expanding into Merchandising
Despite being an e-commerce giant, Amazon had not fully delved into marketing its own Prime Video shows and movies directly from Prime Video, despite having several popular originals with dedicated fan bases. That may change as the retailer now hints that “Gen V” will be the first of new merchandising efforts, noting that the new virtual store is a place where fans can buy merchandise from “popular Prime Video series and movies,” not just Gen Z.
“The new experience will expand the worlds of Prime Video titles by creating convenient and culturally rich environments for customers to discover, learn, experience, and consume more of their favorite stories,” said Amazon.
Availability and Product Range
The new store is already available in the U.S. and features around 150 items available for purchase, which are delivered through Prime. The merchandise itself comes from Sony Pictures Consumer Products, in collaboration with licensee Ripple Junction, who launched a product program ahead of the season 1 debut. In addition to “Gen V” products, Amazon is also now selling official licensed products from “The Boys” on its retail site.
