Is the Walmart supermarket chain aiming for the metaverse?

At the end of last year, the largest American retailer Walmart Inc. (WMT), filed several applications related to blockchain technologies with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mean that the supermarket chain does not intend to avoid the emerging metaverse. Walmart has filed seven separate applications that mention different aspects of blockchain technology. 

Possible use cases for these developments include the launch of its cryptocurrency, non-interchangeable tokens (NFT), and digital electronic wallets. At the same time, a video clip from five years ago appeared on social networks, telling about the possibilities of remote purchases at Walmart using a virtual reality headset. In addition, according to media reports, one of Walmart’s applications mentions the company’s intention sell virtual goods such as electronics, home decor, toys, sports products, and personal hygiene items. 

These products have a tremendous potential demand in virtual or augmented reality, including metaverses. However, Walmart itself has not yet disclosed plans for using applications but only confirmed that it is “constantly studying how new technologies can affect the future customer experience.” Note that this is not Walmart’s first initiative in the field of digital currencies. In October, the retailer launched beta testing, offering customers to buy bitcoins at Coinstar kiosks stores in the United States. 

The pilot program uses 200 Coinstar machines that allow customers to convert bitcoins into gift cards or banknotes. Walmart is ready for a new reality and is already taking the first steps in this direction. However, filing patent applications shows that the retailer wants to before the metaverse becomes ubiquitous.