How augmented reality is set to transform retail

A sustainable shift from offline to online spending is accelerated by global pandemic, with the behaviour established during this extraordinary period is expected to survive even after the world returns to normality. The increase in dependence on online shopping is directing retailers to explore how emerging technology can help them connect with consumers, distinguish their products, and expand their international footprint digitally; And augmented reality (AR) provides many interesting opportunities.

 

AR is not a new concept, and many retail brands have tried technology, but the current various developments come together that provide the opportunity to develop. This includes the launch of 5G connectivity, as well as the launch of AR applications or functions of people like Google and Amazon, which quickly encourages technology to the mainstream. Consumer use also increased, with 71% stating they would shop more often because of AR applications.

 

The following are only three ways of retailers who can use AR to change their marketing strategies when online experience is more important than before.

 

Direct events and product launches

 

While in-people such as product launches are not possible in the current environment, which should not stop retailers using events to uncover new spans and make buzz around their latest products. AR can provide deep virtual events and emotionally charged the same effective with direct experience.

 

The technological potential for the event was immediately illustrated at the beginning of the year, when the Adwoa Abiah model walked in London Fashion Week Catwalk in AR, and in July by One plus Chinese brand when launching a new smartphone in the world's first live broadcast. AR product launch event.

 

According to research, 55% of consumers think AR makes a shopping experience more interesting, so digital events can capture this interest and encourage further confidence in technology.

 

Virtual reality  event experience has several benefits for more traditional offline launch events. This allows consumers to become active participants, rather than passive viewers, through interactive functions that are integrated into the digital presentation layer. It also makes more events can be scaled, overcoming the natural boundaries of each physical location to enable countless consumers to experience the launch and product event simultaneously from any location throughout the world.

 

Personalized product visualization

 

With online shopping that releases the element directly visiting a physical store, retailers need to help consumers visualize and try products to encourage them to the path to buy. Apple Next Wayfair Records Consumer Reporting 3.4 times more likely to buy, while Build.com quote 20% less again when consumers can experience more holistic products with AR.

By applying AR technology, such as lidar and simultaneous localization and mapping (slam), retailers will allow users to view and interact with product-specific features, so they approach replicate physical shopping experiences to increase conversion and reduce returns. Lidar achieved this by adding a greater sense of depth to the 3D interface driven by AR, while Slam allows the digital object 'anchored' in the physical world, offering a more realistic buyer experience.

 

IKEA has used AR successfully over the years in the application of places that continue to improve, which allows customers to position and visualize furniture in their homes before ordering. With 40% of buyers say they are willing to pay more for products they can test through AR, many other retailers now enter technology into their e-commerce offers to provide a more valuable shopping experience. Beauty brands such as Max and Bobbi Brown factors also use AR features, so potential customers can see how different cosmetic products display on their own faces.

 

Every AR experience is unique for the context and the actual environment of users and allows users to interact with products in personalized and in-depth ways. This level of involvement and personalization goes beyond whatever "flat" video can be provided.

 

Tell the story of the product

 

Today's buyers want in-depth information about the items they buy, and Augmented reality can help retailers bring product stories for life in a deep way. Weber makes this information accessible widely and interesting, offering a smooth digital experience through their web browser, without the need to download the application. Kellogg’s, for example, has recently used AR to make Coco eat an educational experience that is fun for children in the Middle East. Using AR technology, breakfasters can learn about the natural world, as well as chocolate history, through educational games in deep virtual forests.

 

AR's ability to tell the product story is very important when sustainability and corporate social responsibility significantly influences consumer purchasing decisions. AR can help retailers illuminate all travel products, including where raw materials are sourced, how products are produced, such as what supply chains and how the product can eventually be recycled. Mars, for example, has used AR with Uncle Ben rice products, to track trips from 'agriculture to fork' and convince their buyers to make ethical purchases.

 

When shifting into online shopping continues, AR provides valuable opportunities for retailers to involve consumers, showing off their products, creating competitive advantages and encouraging sales. Direct events and product launches, the visualization ability of advanced products and fairy tales of products only three of the many ways AR is set to change the retail sector and help challenger retailers.