# Empathetic Virtual Reality Retail TOMS Takes Shoppers on Their Virtual Reality Giving Trip to Peru By Cadhla Gray | Published 2015-09-11 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giving-trip References: [vrscout](http://vrscout.com/projects/toms-virtual-reality-giving-trips/) & [toms](http://www.toms.com/toms-stores) TOMS exemplifies the possibilities of [virtual reality headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benfica-immersive-store) as "empathy machines" as they make their 'Giving Trip' available to all via in-store VR headsets. TOMS shoes is known for the social good it promotes and matches every purchase of a pair of shoes with a pair given to a child in need. Expanding upon that retail structure, TOMS also facilitates a Giving Trip, allowing employees and partners to hand deliver those shoes. However, now this trip can be experienced as a four minute, [360 degree video](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-tryon-tour) by any shopper who puts on a TOMS VR headset. The virtual reality trip takes the viewer to Peru and immerses them into a one-on-one tour by a little boy named Julio. This project exemplifies how virtual reality isn't just a vehicle for technology development. This technology can also develop feelings of empathy as it allows people to virtually, and in this case quite literally, [put themselves in someone else's shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soles4souls-canada). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 80% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Virtual Reality Empathy:** The use of virtual reality headsets to create immersive experiences that foster empathy. - **Retail Virtual Reality:** The integration of virtual reality in retail spaces to provide customers with unique and engaging shopping experiences. - **Social Good Initiatives:** The incorporation of social responsibility into business models to make a positive impact on society. ### Who This Affects Most - **Technology:** Development of virtual reality hardware and software to enhance empathy and retail experiences. - **Retail:** Implementation of virtual reality technology in brick-and-mortar stores to attract and engage customers. - **Social Impact:** Integration of social good initiatives in various industries to address societal challenges and promote positive change. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Interactive Activewear Metaverses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alo-yoga.md) - [Immersive VR Shopping Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mytheresa-vision-pro.md) - [Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benemart-concept.md) - [Immersive Store Screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hays-travel.md) - [Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-vision-pro-shopping-app.md) - [Gamified AR Footwear Fittings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tootsie-augmented-reality.md) - [Virtual Footwear Try-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/try-on-tech.md) - [Mobile Try-On Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-tryon-tour.md) - [Virtual Eyewear Retailer Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-optical-virtual-tryon.md)