ONE of Singapore's oldest retailers, Tangs, is setting up a 3D replica of its green-tiled roof and red pillared Orchard Road landmark selling clothes to denizens of online world Second Life - for real money.

The 76-year-old retailer announced that it was setting up a virtual mall, the first such store from any Asian retailer in Second Life, at its Christmas media party earlier on Wednesday evening.

In the online world of Second Life, players create online 3D avatars or personas which they use to interact with other players in the imaginary world.

Most shops in Second Life, which has 15 million registered accounts, are standalone operations set up by individuals, although companies like General Motors and Adidas have also set up dealerships selling virtual cars and sneakers.

When the virtual Tangs opens in March, visitors will be able to buy clothes, hairdos and different looks for their characters, said Tangs assistant vice-president of marketing and communications Lin Pei Hua.

Shoppers can expect to see items from Tangs' 'signature lines ... but with a tinge of fantasy', in line with players' desire for a 'larger than life' appearance for their online personas.

They can pay for their purchases in Linden dollars, the game's currency, or via a virtual credit card. Credit card bills are paid monthly in Linden dollars, which can be traded for real money.

More floors, 'stocked with usable and desirable items by well-known Second Life designers', will be added over time, said First Meta co-founder Aileen Sim.

First Meta, which operates Second Life's credit card system, is also helping Tangs create the store and find tenants.