Introduction:
The retail industry has come a long way since its inception. From just a few brick and mortar stores to the advent of online shopping, the industry is constantly evolving to keep pace with the changing times. One such development that has gained immense popularity in recent times is augmented reality (AR). It’s no longer just a marketing tool but has become an effective tool to boost sales, loyalty, and customer engagement. In this article, we will uncover the top AR use cases in the retail industry, and how it is revolutionizing the way customers shop.
AR for In-Store Navigation:
Have you ever wandered around a store looking for something and just couldn’t find it? You’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that shoppers spend an average of 13 minutes looking for a product in-store. To tackle this problem, retailers are now using AR to provide customers with precise in-store navigation. By using a smartphone app, customers can access an interactive map that guides them to the exact location of the item they’re looking for. This saves time and enhances the shopping experience.
An excellent example of this is the Lowe’s Vision app that uses AR to help customers find the exact product they need and provides additional information about the product.
AR for Interactive Product Visualization:
When shopping online, customers cannot physically touch or feel a product before purchasing it. That’s where AR comes into play. By using AR technology, customers can now see how a product would look in their home or office before making a purchase. This is an excellent tool for retailers to showcase their product range, giving customers an immersive experience and boosting sales. AR visualization includes everything from furniture to clothing and helps customers make informed decisions while shopping online.
Ikea’s virtual reality catalogue allows customers to place furniture virtually in their homes before making a purchase decision, giving them a feel of what the product would look like in their living spaces.
AR for Customizable Products:
Personalization is the new buzzword in retail these days. Customers love products that reflect their unique style and personality. AR allows retailers to create customizable products by using the latest technologies such as 3D printing. Customers can design their own products using the AR application’s built-in editor, making it easy to order a personalized product that suits their preferences. This not only enables customers to own something unique but also helps retailers to stand out from the crowd.
Nike launched a series of customizable sneakers featuring AR technology that allows customers to design their own footwear from scratch, giving them full creative control over their footwear.
AR for Enhanced Sales:
Sales associates play a crucial role in retail. However, they may not possess accurate knowledge of each product in the store, resulting in customers leaving due to lack of assistance. AR can be used to provide sales associates with a wealth of information about the products on display. By using AR-powered heads-up displays, sales associates can access product information, features, and even customer reviews to make informed recommendations for a more personalized shopping experience.
For instance, Sephora uses AR in their app that detects a customer’s facial features and suggests make-up products based on their skin type, giving personalized recommendations and improving the overall shopping experience.
Conclusion:
The use of augmented reality technology in the retail industry is revolutionizing the way customers shop. From in-store navigation, interactive product visualization, customizable products, to enhanced sales, retailers are leveraging AR to offer a personalized, engaging, and unforgettable shopping experience. With the constant evolution of technology and its adoption, retailers who adopt AR will be better positioned to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
