Snapchat is launching an immersive high street experience in London, combining physical retail with augmented reality (AR) activations alongside brands including Depop, Boots, and Cosmopolitan.
On Saturday 19 October and Sunday 20 October 2024, the Ely’s Yard building in Brick Lane will be home to Snap Street, where people will be able to explore a number of pop-ups and experiences for free.
“Snap Street will recreate the joy of Snapchat IRL with an experiential shopping destination for our users, their friends and family,” said Ben Wymer, Director of Global Brand Experience at Snapchat.
“We’ll be showing how our pioneering AR technology allows users to experience on screens how products look and behave in the real world, paving the way for a more personal experience for consumers, and more engaging retail opportunities for brands.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to bring the thrill of shopping for fashion and beauty on Snapchat alive than through Snap Street, a unique and truly immersive retail experience for everyone.”
Depop will give visitors the chance to win circular fashion by playing on a claw machine, while giving people the opportunity to make use of a Snapchat x Depop AR mirror. From 12pm-2pm on Saturday, people will also be able to get a free personalised phone charm from Depop seller @SantexSante.
The Boots stand will introduce shoppers to beauty brands – such as Made by Mitchell, Beauty Crop, and Milk – and allow them to try out a new makeup look using the Snapchat x Boots vanity mirrors. There will also be makeup artists and hairstylists on hand on Saturday from 3pm-6pm.
Cosmopolitan’s pop-up newsstand will have free copies of the latest edition of Cosmo, and give visitors the chance to be a cover star with a Snapchat AR lens. The Cosmo team will also be present to share their experiences of working for the publication, and Alo Community instructor Kelly Rose Marks will be hosting a yoga session on Saturday morning.
Elsewhere, Snapchat will be handing out free coffees from its ‘Ghost Café,’ and providing more opportunities for visitors to get their hands on AR tech.