Augmented reality is an increasingly popular shopping tool for brands. Using AR apps like 8th Wall Hand Tracking, shoppers can virtual try on items and see how they look in their environment.
Whether in-store or online, AR can help eliminate buyer’s remorse and other issues like size or fit. It can also increase customer engagement and loyalty.
Increased Conversion Rates
Using AR to allow consumers to virtually experience products before making a purchase significantly increases conversion rates. When customers are able to try on clothing, see how a piece of furniture will fit in their home, or test out features of electronic devices before they buy, they are more likely to make the right decision. This eliminates the risk of buyer’s remorse that often results in returns.
This technology is especially useful for retailers that sell larger items such as furniture and electronics, where it can be difficult for shoppers to envision how the product will look in their space. Similarly, outdoor equipment like tents and backpacks can be previewed in an AR environment to give customers a realistic sense of what the products will look and feel like when they are used.
AR shopping experiences also increase customer engagement. For example, UK retailer Tesco uses an AR application that allows customers to gamify the in-store shopping experience, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
With the increasing popularity of smart glasses and smartphones with high-quality cameras, AR is becoming more accessible than ever before. Many AR apps are available to download, but web-powered applications that work directly from a company’s website allow for more seamless experiences that will engage and delight consumers. This will be especially true with the launch of iOS 11 this fall, which includes support for native ARKit, as well as Apple’s upcoming releases of iPhones and iPads.
Enhanced Customer Service
As more and more consumers turn to AR, they’re finding it easier to determine whether or not a product will work for them. As a result, AR eliminates the doubts and uncertainty associated with making purchases online, which boosts confidence and leads to higher conversion rates.
In addition, augmented reality helps to enhance customer service at both the pre-sale and point of sale (POS) stages. For example, furniture companies like Ikea use AR to help customers visualize how large pieces of furniture would look in their homes before purchasing them. This enables them to make more informed decisions at the outset and reduces the likelihood of returning the product later. In the same way, cosmetics brands like Sephora and L’Oreal use AR to give their customers realistic previews of how different products will look on them before purchasing them.
Moreover, gamified AR shopping experiences encourage shoppers to spend more time browsing and researching products on their own. In turn, this creates a more positive emotional connection with the brand and increases their loyalty.
Moreover, AR ecommerce apps can act as shop assistants and sales agents that guide customers through the process of selecting and purchasing products. This eliminates the need for businesses to hire additional staff for interacting with their customers in-store and saves on costs. As a result, retailers can invest more in other aspects of their business that will further boost CX and increase their profit margins.
Increased Loyalty
The immersive nature of AR technology captivates customers and creates excitement, which boosts customer loyalty. It also positions businesses as an industry leader and attracts tech-savvy consumers who appreciate a forward-thinking approach to retail.
AR allows brands to create dynamic product demonstrations that showcase features and benefits, reduce product uncertainties, and improve customer decision-making. This, in turn, leads to higher sales and increased brand awareness.
Additionally, AR can be used to enhance the user experience by allowing customers to virtually try on products, such as clothing or makeup, before they make their purchase. This helps them feel confident in their selection and can significantly reduce the number of returns that businesses receive.
A recent study found that AR can help level the playing field for less popular brands by decreasing the psychological distance and perceived risk associated with purchasing new items. In addition, AR can be used to create interactive experiences for customers, such as gamification and rewards.
For example, Topshop has an app that allows shoppers to visualize how different dresses would look on their body, and Ikea is using AR in its stores to enable customers to preview furniture in their homes. These types of AR experiences can significantly reduce the time spent comparing products and increase the likelihood that customers will return to a retailer again in the future.
Innovative Marketing
Despite high customer demand for AR, some retailers remain skeptical about the technology’s ability to boost revenue. However, innovative marketing techniques associated with AR can help brands overcome these barriers and generate significant sales results.
Augmented reality offers an immersive, fun and engaging experience that captivates customers and creates a strong brand connection. It is an effective way to deliver information, enhance the shopping experience and increase loyalty, while providing new ways for businesses to engage with their customers.
Some brands, such as PacSun, use AR to create an in-store interactive experience featuring Emma Chamberlain, a popular model and actress who interacts with shoppers via an immersive AR display. These experiences offer a fresh, compelling and fun way for consumers to connect with brands, and can also be used as an engagement tool that collects real-time analytic data.
Other retailers use AR to give customers the virtual freedom of trying on products and services before purchasing them. For example, Ikea’s “Place” app allows customers to scale three-dimensional virtual furniture pieces into their physical spaces for an accurate preview. Similarly, beauty and cosmetic brands like Sephora and L’Oreal provide AR try-before-you-buy experiences that enable customers to see how their preferred makeup or hairstyle will look on them before they make a purchase.
Many companies leverage AR to entertain their audiences, like Pokemon GO and Netflix’s Stranger Things in-person AR experiences. This trend is not likely to slow down, as AR continues to evolve into more sophisticated and entertaining experiences. If you are looking for 3D Printing company, you can connects with us as well.
