Walmart To Buy AR Optical Tech Company Memomi

Walmart is buying up a company to enable it to continue to offer virtual optical try-on capabilities and contact-free digital measurements.

Walmart and Memomi, an augmented reality (AR) optical tech company, entered into an agreement for Walmart to acquire Memomi. Since 2019, Memomi has enabled digital measurements for all Walmart and Sam’s Optical customers, across more than 2,800 Walmart Vision Centers and 550 Sam’s Clubs, and also powers the Optical eCommerce experience on SamsClub.com. Acquiring the AR company is the next step in Walmart’s journey of offering personalized, affordable access to optical care, the company said. This acquisition furthers Walmart Health & Wellness’ strategy to deliver integrated, omnichannel healthcare, leveraging data and technology to improve engagement, health equity and outcomes.  

“Customers are looking for access to care digitally, in their homes, and purchasing eyeglasses is no different,” said David Reitnauer, VP, Specialty Services, Walmart Health & Wellness. “This acquisition supports our Health & Wellness mission to provide accessible care to the communities we serve.”  

Memomi is a provider of technology to enhance virtual optical try-on experiences, helping customers virtually “try on” eyewear in real-time for a seamless, easy and fun omnichannel experience. 

“Walmart’s ability to roll out our virtual try-on and contact-free digital measurements service in a short period of time shows how committed Walmart is to its customers’ need for digital care in-stores and at home,” said Ofer Saban, CTO, Memomi. 

The acquisition is expected to close in the coming weeks, and Memomi employees will join the Walmart Global Tech organization. 

“We’re excited to welcome the Memomi team to Walmart and add their capabilities to our leading virtual reality technology that is transforming the retail experience for our customers and members,” said Cheryl Ainoa, SVP, New Businesses & Emerging Tech, Walmart Global Tech. 

“We are looking forward to joining Walmart and offering our innovations and user experiences to such a large scale both in-store and online,” said Salvador Nissi Vilcovsky, CEO, Memomi.