Circuit City in Second Life

Sears becomes the next big brand to go virtual thanks to Second Life, launching "Sears Virtual Home" - a prototype showroom.

At the virtual showroom, Sears customers can change cabinet and countertop colors in a kitchen and organize a garage by customizing storage products, according to Reuters.

Sears said it hopes consumers will eventually be able to redesign areas of their own homes from its virtual showroom by selecting washers, tools and furniture - and in the future possibly conduct transactions from within the metaverse.

IBM has a similar prototype virtual store with electronics retailer Circuit City.