Reimagining shopping with augmented reality — Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Why retailers should use AR

Retailers seeking to improve the customer experience and increase sales can reap numerous benefits from augmented reality:

Reduced returns

One of the hardest things for customers is getting clothes that fit and look good on them. Real-time AR lets people see how clothes look on them before they buy them.

So they can correctly judge length, width, and overall fit. This helps them pick the right size and lowers the chance that they’ll have to return something because it doesn’t fit. This lets people see how the clothes will fit and look on them, which makes them more likely to buy them.

Improved brand storytelling

So, let’s say a store that sells watches uses AR to show buyers how the complicated process of making watches really works.

AR lets people see 3D models of the watch’s parts in great detail, watch as the skilled workers put the watch together, and even learn about the brand’s past and roots. Through this full experience, customers can feel more connected to the company and the product.

AR can also be used to show that clothes are made from materials that are good for the environment and last a long time. People with the app can scan a piece of clothes to find out right away about the materials that were used, where they came from, and how they impact the earth.

Customers can see for themselves how hard a brand works to be ethical and eco-friendly when it is open and tells stories. This builds trust and sincerity.

Streamlined in-store navigation

Physical signs and maps are used for traditional in-store navigation, which can be hard to understand and take a long time to follow.

AR lets customers see virtual markers or arrows on top of the real world view by using their phones or tablets. These markers can help them find the product or department they want, making the shopping experience smooth and quick.

Data driven insights

AR lets stores see how customers move and interact with virtual items, such as how they spin, zoom in, or use different features.

By showing businesses what customers really want, this data can tell them a lot about what parts or features of a product their target crowd likes the most. By changing their marketing strategies and collecting more data, stores can get a better idea of what their customers want over time.

The revolution of augmented reality in retail: actions shown

A number of major stores are already using AR to build new ways for customers to shop:

Sephora’s Virtual Artist app

This new software lets users sample cosmetics online using their phone’s camera. It lets customers explore numerous styles, tints, and colors. This empowers them to buy better cosmetics and promotes confidence.

There are also extra features in the app, like lessons, product information, and suggestions. To learn new skills and get ideas, users can access step-by-step makeup lessons or watch movies with professional makeup artists.

The app also gives users specific suggestions based on their likes and past purchases, making sure they have a unique experience.

Ikea Place app

People can look at a lot of different kinds of furniture from the Ikea catalogue with the Ikea Place app.

Then, they can use the camera on their phone or computer to virtually put the furniture where they want it in their home. AR is used by the app to correctly map the room’s size and surface, so users can see the furniture in real time and from different views.

Customers really like this virtual placement feature because it gives them a good idea of how the furniture will look and fit in their room.