While Apple‘s foray into mixed-reality with the Vision Pro hasn’t exactly set the consumer world on fire, home improvement giant Lowe’s sees potential in the technology. In a surprising move, Lowe’s is launching a pilot program that will allow customers to use the Vision Pro in-store to design their dream kitchens.

This isn’t just about slapping a fancy headset on and calling it a day. Lowe’s has partnered with Apple to develop a custom app called Lowe’s Style Studio for Apple Vision Pro. This app lets customers virtually explore a mind-boggling number of design combinations – nearly 80 billion according to Lowe’s! Imagine experimenting with different cabinet colors, countertops, appliances, and layouts – all from the comfort of a Lowe’s store.

So how does it work? Starting later this month, customers in three test markets (Charlotte, North Carolina; North Bergen, New Jersey; and Sunnyvale, California) can book visualization sessions with a Lowe’s associate. Walk-in appointments will also be available, but in limited numbers.

During the session, you’ll wear the Vision Pro headset and immerse yourself in a high-fidelity 3D rendering of your potential kitchen. With the app’s intuitive controls, you can swap out elements, adjust layouts, and see how everything comes together in real-time. Once you’ve finalized your dream kitchen design, you can save it, share it with friends and family for feedback, and even generate a PDF to take home.

This program builds on Lowe’s existing Lowe’s Style Studio app, which launched earlier this year for home users with Apple Vision Pro. The in-store experience adds a valuable layer – the expertise of a Lowe’s associate to guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have.

While Lowe’s might seem like an unexpected adopter of the Vision Pro, the potential applications of this technology extend far beyond interior design. From medical training and patient education to factory floor worker training and even in-flight entertainment, the Vision Pro is finding a foothold in various industries.

However, the Vision Pro itself hasn’t been without its share of criticism. The hefty price tag of $3,499 puts it out of reach for many consumers. Apple seems to be taking a long-term view, prioritizing developer adoption and content creation over immediate sales figures. The company has reportedly scaled back its initial sales projections for the first year, focusing instead on building a robust ecosystem around the Vision Pro before making it more affordable for the general public.