The use of AR in retail is growing by leaps and bounds as digitally native shoppers are taking over the marketplace. Retailers are using augmented reality to enrich their relationships with their loyal customers. The AR tech superimposes digital content and information onto the user’s real-life scenario to enhance their shopping experience in the virtual world.
With the introduction of augmented reality powered by face recognition technology, the online shopping experience for fashion products has taken a new turn. Customers can use their smartphones or tablets to virtually try on items, customize, and interact with the brand’s products in the virtual world.
Read our guide to understand how augmented reality is helping retailers develop innovative retail experiences for their customers.
Understanding The Use Of AR In Retail Shopping
By 2025, nearly 75% of the world’s population and all smartphone users will be frequent augmented reality users. That said, retailers must focus on integrating AR technologies and letting their customers visualize products in the virtual world.
But before we discuss how brands make use of AR apps, let us understand the concept of augmented reality in the retail world.
In today’s highly competitive environment, augmented reality technology is considered to be more than a marketing tool. Not only does using an AR app help brands streamline the customer shopping journey, but it also helps them understand the style, fit, and other product details to make an informed purchase decision.
To use the AR apps, users can point their camera-equipped devices at any product to recognize objects virtually. As the user shifts their camera, the size, style, and orientation of the AR display move automatically with it. This creates an immersive and exciting digital shopping experience to improve brand awareness, improve sales, and connect with customers at a deep level.
Different Use Cases Of Augmented Reality Apps
Customers are looking for ways to engage and interact with products and brands in the online world. AR-enhanced experience is one of the best ways to revolutionize how customers connect with brands and shop for products. Let’s take a look at a few use cases of AR in the retail sector and how you can adopt the technology to build customer loyalty.
Virtual Shopping
In real-time, augmented reality allows shoppers to overlay digital clothing, accessories, and images directly onto their faces or bodies. This virtual shopping experience is widely popularized among teens on platforms like Instagram or Snapchat. With that in mind, Instagram AR filters are an effective tool to help customers visualize and try products.
Over the past few years, many fashion and retail brands, like Nike, Gucci, IKEA, etc., have implemented AR-powered virtual try-on experiences to improve the online shopping experience for loyal customers. Besides trying products on faces or bodies, consumers are increasingly using tech to test how specific products will fit in their homes.
Virtual Navigation
AR navigation systems guide shoppers in brick-and-mortar stores. Regardless of how complex or large the mall is, shoppers can easily navigate the store. They can find the items they desire using AR apps on their smartphones. This new trend is helping brands reduce the expenses of onboarding staff to help shoppers with in-store navigation.
Virtual Fitting Rooms
Resembling the AR try-on experience of mobile, these virtual fitting rooms allow customers to try products without physically touching them. Many top retailers, including Adidas, Macy’s, Nordstrom, etc., have already added virtual fitting rooms to their most popular physical stores. The introduction of advanced technology helps retailers reduce product returns and increase conversions.
In-Store Displays
An average buyer makes three unplanned purchases in 4 out of 10 stores they visit. With that said, digital in-store displays are the best ways to engage potential customers, drive sales, and enhance brand awareness.
The dynamic displays help brands track and capture real-time analytic data. Thus, they are interactive compared to static billboards and advertisements. They entice would-be customers to enter the store and make their purchases.
SelfStylo is one of the best AR tools, helping brands eliminate the gap between the digital and physical worlds. With the interactive AR tool, customers can quickly try hundreds of makeup products and make an informed buying decision.
Make Your Retail Business Ready For The Future
Five years down the line, we can expect that augmented reality will transform the retail sector on a large scale. As shoppers prefer AR and understand its potential, more retailers are incorporating technology to boost customer loyalty.
If you’re looking to adopt the tech and introduce virtual try-on, AR filters, and more in your eCommerce store, contact SelfStylo. Our experts will help you to make the best use of AR apps and get ahead of the market.
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