Recruitment Reimagined: VR for Kaufhaus STOLZ

Kaufhaus STOLZ, a well-known chain of department stores in northern Germany, came up with something special to attract young talent. To reach potential apprentices at career fairs and present itself as a modern employer, STOLZ relies on an innovative Virtual Reality experience developed by VRtual X.

A VR showroom that wows visitors

STOLZ wanted more than flyers and information stands. The VR showroom we created lets visitors experience the company up close. Interactive content such as throwing games, puzzles, and other playful elements that are only possible in Virtual Reality gives potential applicants a vivid picture of what it is like to work at STOLZ. Posters, virtual flyers, and videos round out the experience with more information.

Efficient delivery with VR templates

A key advantage for STOLZ was that the showroom did not have to be developed from scratch. VRtual X offers ready-made VR rooms (templates) that can be customized easily and efficiently. As a result, STOLZ only had to pay for the specific customizations, not for developing an entire app. To give the VR showroom a distinctive northern German feel, we added a beach scene as the view outside, visible through the virtual windows. Inside the room, we recreated a stretch of beach with a wooden rowboat, reeds, and sea creatures. The design conveys a vacation feeling and strengthens the connection to the northern German region.

Highlight: the VR photo booth

One highlight is the photo booth, where fair visitors can take a selfie of their avatar. The picture can be downloaded straight to a smartphone and easily shared on social media, a creative way to keep the experience in mind and spread the word about the STOLZ brand.

A strong response at the fairs

The VR headset has proven to be a real crowd-puller. The modern technology makes young people curious, and they come to the booth to get to know STOLZ. Being able to apply directly in the VR application lowers the barrier to entry and leaves a lasting impression.

One student said: “I didn’t know STOLZ before, but now I know it’s a forward-thinking company. I think I’m going to apply there for a retail apprenticeship.”

And it wasn’t just the students who were excited. Teachers and parents also showed great interest in the interactive simulation. One student summed it up well: “Other exhibitors give you candy, but here you get experiences.”

The bottom line: VR as the key to Gen Z

For STOLZ, the VR project was a complete success. With the help of VRtual X, the chain was able to position itself as an innovative and attractive employer. VR technology makes it possible to stand out from other exhibitors and shows how the companies of the future can win the “war for talent.” It makes recruiting not only more modern but also more effective.