Augmented reality is a technology that allows users to modify their real world by adding sounds, images and other digital elements. In other words, this technology gives the product a blend of digital and real world.
Augmented reality is often associated with gaming. In fact, one of the most popular uses of this technology is the Pokémon Go app, which challenges Pokémon characters to identify and capture them in their real-world environment. However, augmented reality is not all fun and games. This technology is widely used outside of the gaming world, including in the retail industry.
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Applications of Augmented Reality in the Retail Industry
1 Augmented Reality Store: Putting on things virtually
Augmented Reality Marketing helps businesses move customers up the sales funnel. Creating an augmented reality store allows brand customers to virtually try on different products and elevate the in-store experience. This eliminates the need to visit the store in person. This application of augmented reality in retail can be seen in popular stores that wear makeup, clothes, shoes and other wearables.
Most people are more willing to spend money on something they have tested themselves. Hence, augmented reality brand experience works well and allows them to increase their presence in the online market.
2 Visualizing household items
It's almost impossible to know how a table or sofa will fit in your home when you're buying in person at a store. Businesses where AR is impacting online shopping can be found here. Augmented reality shopping gives customers a way to see products at home before buying them.
The most famous example of this augmented reality shopping app is IKEA Place, which allows customers to preview in 3D how the furniture will look in their homes. Other examples include Amazon AR and Magnolia Market (via Sopify).
3 virtual fitting rooms
For many shoppers, fitting rooms can be a nightmare, especially during busy seasons. In some cases, customers prefer online shopping, buy an item and try it on at home only to return it because it doesn't fit. Other times, they may choose not to purchase because of the hassle of using a fitting room.
An augmented reality shopping experience can solve this problem. By including virtual mirrors in retail, customers can see how clothes look on their bodies without trying them on. Timberland is an excellent example of a brand offering virtual fitting rooms where customers can try on clothes from their collections without actually wearing them.
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4. Connectivity
In the near future electronic technologies, print products will not disappear. They adapt to AR's needs for creating new storytelling mediums and profit streams. Consumers reap various benefits from enriched experiences while bridging the gap between their printed and digital media. Companies that consistently demonstrate a better understanding of how readers engage with their content and how that content is delivered.
5. Language barriers
International companies with global branches immediately face new challenges as they try to create new markets. No doubt the language challenges will take some time. But AR offers a wide range of options for most language problems. Nowadays, Google Translator AR mode allows users to natively view any text in 40 foreign languages. USM create an AR solution to accept auxiliary subtitles of a theater show in Paris.
6. Personalized marketing and product innovation
In-store navigation is coupled with personalized marketing. As customers navigate your store using their smartphone, you can display personalized offers on products through AR and AI based on purchase history and customer preference. Personalized offers lead to higher conversion rates and improved shopper experience.
7. Building brand awareness
Augmented reality is also being used in brand marketing and advertising campaigns to generate more engagement, press coverage and social media buzz. It is already proven to increase business scope. By using AR, brands are making their print ads, posters, store signs and other advertising materials more engaging and interactive. A large company that uses AR in its brand awareness campaigns is Pepsi, which placed AR-based ads at a bus stop in London.
Future of AR in retail
Augmented reality is often called the technology of the future, but this is not true. AR has already penetrated all sectors of the retail market. The time is not far when you can shop for everything you need while sitting comfortably on your sofa or in the kitchen sipping a cup of coffee, wearing AR-capable eyewear or using augmented reality smartphone apps. Yes, all this without leaving your home!
The challenges in augmented reality ecommerce must also be addressed to reach a wider range of audiences and retain existing ones. Whether it's online shopping or offline AR, there are a few things that a VR AR developer should pay special attention to. Topics include advertising, localization, incentives and discounts, personalization, interaction, discovery, privacy and UX.
A Final Note
We hope our blog has helped you understand the benefits of augmented reality in retail and the future of AR in retail. If you want to create a sustainable long-term strategy, consider how AR technology in retail can improve your customer's shopping experience, and you're likely to find lasting success.
At USM, a renowned AR VR development company, we have helped many startups, SMEs and brands develop state-of-the-art AR VR retail solutions. As a leading AR application development company in Frisco, we provide top notch AR VR app development services. All our projects are documented in our M-Commerce section, which you can check out. You can also learn about the cost of integrating AR into a retail app.
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