By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The fashion retailer Aéropostale has engaged developer MetaversePlus to bring its brand into the metaverse.
Aéropostale’s parent company Authentic Brands Group signed the partnership with MetaversePlus to design, develop and expand the brand’s presence in Web3 through NFTs, world building, as well as offering members only perks and promotions.
The project’s roadmap consists of four major phases, including immersive shopping, socializing and gaming experiences.
The first phase, set to launch on March 23, will focus on AeroPax, a collection of one-of-a-kind NFTs, which will build community and give members exclusive perks, including access to limited-edition apparel and VIP promotions.
In celebration of the launch, Aéropostale is giving 10 lucky fans the chance to win a Tesla. The 10 winners will be chosen at random, and no purchase is necessary. Additionally, all AeroPax purchases include a limited-edition hoodie (one per Aeropax, plus shipping/handling fees).Authentic says fans can stay tuned to Aéropostale’s social media channels for a sneak peak of the AeroPax in the near future.
“We’re excited to build an immersive and interactive experience for Aéropostale fans and anyone who craves individuality,” said Noah Loul, Co-Founder of MetaversePlus. “AeroPax is unique in that we’re creating an experience free from real-world limitations and societal standards, where people can be their most authentic selves and join forces with like-minded individuals anywhere, using NFTs and virtual experiences.”
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The initial collection of 30,000 AeroPax avatars will each feature AeroPax’s unique blend of traits, styles, personalities, and abilities, including ultra-rare perks, such as the chance to be featured on one of the brand’s popular digital channels. The AeroPax will become the user’s property, act as their interactive avatar, and double as their digital access pass to virtual worlds, including the upcoming metaverse, AeroWorld, which will be built by MetaversePlus.
Phase two of the roll out will offer fans a sneak peek into AeroWorld. The partners say it will allow users the opportunity to claim unique avatar characters, access virtual and IRL experiences including events and games, and the ability to collect in-game points, which can be redeemed for exclusive AeroPax merch and other VIP perks. Details of phases three and four will be revealed soon.
“We’re thrilled to partner with MetaversePlus to build a unique Aéropostale metaverse for the brand’s fans and global community,” said Naushaba Moeen, EVP, Lifestyle at Authentic. “Through this partnership, we aim to make Aéropostale a leading brand in the Web3 space and help shape the future of of community and customer engagement in the virtual world.”
Those interested in early access to Aéropostale’s new VIP brand experience AeroWorld can sign up at aeropostale.com/aeropax.
This is not Authentic’s first foray into metaverse licensing, as its Forever21 retail fashion brand also ran a highly successful metaverse project in 2022, in partnership with Virtual Brands Group and the metaverse platform Roblox.
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