Augmented reality is transforming the retail industry, and brands that take advantage of this technology can expect to satisfy more customers in the long term. There are many ways in which augmented reality will revolutionize the retail industry, and we will focus on five of these ways.

1. Virtually Try On 3D Products

Augmented reality allows customers to virtually try on products, and this is particularly useful for items such as shoes and makeup. For example, Lacoste has an app that allows customers to try on shoes virtually, and Sephora’s Virtual Artist App shows customers how makeup products look on their face via their phone’s camera. By offering a comparable alternative to the in-store experience, retailers can appeal to a larger demographic.

2. Look at 3D Products In-Home

One of the biggest ways augmented reality will transform retail is by allowing customers to see how products look in their homes before purchasing. Magnolia Market has partnered with Shopify’s AR team to create an app that allows customers to see how their products look in their homes, and Home Depot’s Project Color app allows users to see how a paint color looks in a room. As more home improvement retail stores offer AR apps, it will become harder to compete without one.

3. Gather In-Store Information

Nearly 60% of shoppers look up product information and prices while using their mobile phones in stores, and augmented reality can provide a critical solution to meeting those shoppers’ needs. American Apparel has an AR app that allows customers to scan signs in-store and pull up product information, including customer reviews, color options, and pricing. AR helps bridge the gap between offline and online shopping, creating a more cohesive experience.

4. Use Virtual Fitting Rooms

Fitting rooms can be a deterrent for shoppers, particularly during a busy shopping season. Topshop used Kinect motion sensing technology to create a virtual fitting room for customers in their Moscow store, allowing customers to see how clothing items looked on their bodies without physically trying anything on. Retailers can also use AR to create fun and unusual shopping experiences, such as Airwalk’s “invisible” pop-up shop.

5. Enhance the Shopping Experience

AR can enhance the shopping experience by providing customers with a personalized experience. For example, H&M used AR technology to create a virtual runway, where customers could see how outfits look on models. By providing a personalized experience, retailers can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Takeaway

As technology continues to evolve, so does the retail industry. Augmented Reality (AR) is one such technology that has taken the retail industry by storm, providing a revolutionary way for retailers to engage with their customers. From virtual try-ons to interactive product displays, AR has the power to transform the traditional retail experience into an immersive and interactive one.

Incorporating AR into a retail strategy has numerous benefits, such as enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction, increasing brand loyalty, and providing a seamless shopping experience that bridges the gap between online and offline shopping. AR can help retailers create a personalized shopping experience, allowing customers to visualize products in real-time, and in turn, making them more confident in their purchasing decisions.

Moreover, AR has the potential to attract a larger demographic of customers by offering them a comparable alternative to the in-store experience. This technology can help retailers to better connect with customers by bringing the products to life and providing a unique and memorable experience that customers are sure to love.

In light of these benefits, it’s clear that AR is changing the game for retailers. Retailers who take advantage of this technology will not only stay ahead of the tech curve but also improve their bottom line by satisfying more customers in the long term. In conclusion, retailers should strongly consider incorporating AR into their retail strategy to offer an unforgettable shopping experience and remain competitive in the ever-evolving retail industry.