In a couple of weeks, HTC will kick off the first retail sales of its Vive virtual reality headset in Australia’s two largest electronics retail stores. JB and Harvey Norman will start to sell the Vive from November 18.
This move also means you’ll be able to buy the Vive at the cheapest price it’s been offered at since its April launch into Australia. At both stores, you’ll pay just under $1400 with a $1399 RRP, although Harvey Norman is technically cheaper at $1398.
HTC’s country development manager for the Asia-Pacific, Raymond Pao, says that a VR experience will be available in the approximately 60 Harvey Norman and 50 JB Hi-Fi stores to show off the Vive to customers. “I think demonstrations are really important to show off VR in a retail space. You’ll have a dedicated store person to walk you through the experience.”
Jimmy Feng, chief of staff to HTC’s CEO, said that the company is cautiously monitoring the possibility of expanding into lifestyle and department stores in Australia: “It depends on the interest — we’d like more people to experience VR, and it’s more than just gaming.”