Fred Segal has partnered with media tech holding company Subnation to launch Artcade, a dynamic retail experience featuring curated collectibles, limited product drops, an NFT gallery and a streaming studio. The collaboration will exist both on L.A.’s Sunset Strip and in the Metaverse.
The collaboration includes curated merchandise, collectibles, limited-edition apparel and gaming hardware, as well as virtual goods and digital skins that can be purchased in-store or in the Metaverse via cryptocurrency. Shoppers can visit the store and stay connected through social commerce, shoppable livestreams and exclusive offers, delivered via digital out of home advertising and augmented reality pop-up installations.
The store also will feature Metagolden’s latest jewelry line, which is the first to enter the Metaverse with digital art tokenized by physical, 18K gold jewelry. Metagolden’s latest collaboration features pieces from pop artist Ashley Longshore and includes both physical and digital assets featuring unique NFTs of 62 iconic female leaders, including Billie Eilish, Anna Wintour, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Diane von Furstenberg, Michelle Obama and Mother Theresa.
Additionally, Artcade will curate NFT exhibitions and host programming ranging from musical performances and sneaker customization classes to creator salons and AR trunk shows each month. The in-house streaming studio will feature live podcasts, e-sports gameplay and more.
“The Metaverse is going to play an important role in the future of culture, and many brands are trying to understand how they can incorporate it into their current marketing and sales strategies,” said Doug Scott, Co-Founder and Chief Managing Director at Subnation in a statement. “With physical and digital experiences seamlessly fusing together, and consumer entertainment and shopping behaviors shifting, Subnation embraced Web3 tools and partnered with Fred Segal to design and develop a new format for shopping experiences.”