Skechers to enter metaverse by opening virtual stores in Decentraland

Footwear company Skechers on 10 March announced that it is entering the metaverse. In doing so, it has leased the equivalent of a 5,000-square-foot space on virtual land owned by Metaverse Group. Skechers will build an experiential store on the Fashion Street Estate located in the Decentraland metaverse.

“Our Decentraland agreement is an investment in our future,” Skechers President Michael Greenberg said in a press release. “We look forward to embarking on this virtual era, and exploring creative ways for our brand to engage with new customers and audiences as we launch the new Skechers experience.”

According to the Metaverse Group, this collaboration marks a pivotal evolution in its metaverse strategy. “This partnership establishes our subsidiary, Metaverse Group, as one of the first virtual landlords to successfully lease out its metaverse real estate,” said Metaverse Group Executive Chairman Andrew Kiguel. 

It is also reported that Skechers has filed eight trademark applications to sell virtual goods such as footwear and apparel in the metaverse, according to attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben Intellectual Property. 

“Downloadable virtual goods, namely, computer programmes featuring footwear, clothing, headwear, eyewear, bags, sports bags, backpacks, sports equipment, art, toys and accessories for use online and in online virtual worlds,” the filing reads. 

The fillings also include downloadable computer software for interactive games as well as software for engaging in social networking and interacting with online communities. Lastly, it also includes Skechers’ name, logos and other phrases the company uses, including “Twinkle Toes”, “Arch Fit”, “Go Walk” and “Bobs.”