In this era of e-commerce, customers are always on the lookout for emerging trends and how quickly they can get their hands on the latest gadget or garments. Retailers have to be quick on their feet, keeping up with customer expectations and ever-increasing demands. One can only thrive in this fast-paced industry by adopting new technologies that enhance customer experiences and boost sales.
Cue in augmented reality. This technology has quickly gained traction in online retail. Considering its accessibility and versatility, it’s no wonder why retailers are leveraging it so quickly to stay ahead of their competition. Let’s take a look at how AR has transformed the realm of e-commerce.
Virtual try-ons
Customers love to try things before they buy, and to get that shopping experience online can be difficult. Online shopping apps have integrated AR functionalities for providing virtual try-ons for their customers. It brings together the best of both worlds, allowing them to see how something looks on them as if they were wearing it, using it, or living with it.
With AR, buyers can see how a gadget or a piece of furniture looks in their home space through their smartphone camera. They can rotate it or move it around their house and decide where it can be placed before making the purchase.
Similarly, they can virtually “try-on” accessories like eyeglasses or watches and get a better idea of how it suits them. In the end, it’s a win-win for both parties—a low probability of return or exchange with minimized reverse logistics cost.
Interactive storefronts
Retailers who want to stand out from their competition are always keen to try different marketing strategies. Creative promotional campaigns effectively pique the customer’s interest and draw in more attention compared with conventional advertising like flyers and billboards.
This is where AR can take things up a notch. Traditional window shopping becomes more engaging and immersive with AR, where customers can interact digitally with the store’s window display and see more information on the latest collection. Retailers can organize AR-based games within the store to provide special discounts or premium offers, improving footfalls and sales for the season.
Live product demonstrations
When it comes to buying home appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, or air conditioners, it can be challenging to make a decision solely based on the specifications provided in the online store. Customers need to see how it actually works, how easy it is to operate, and what it takes to maintain the appliance in good condition. In that case, they would have to visit a nearby showroom or retail store where the desired appliance is available and get a demo.
All of this is simplified with the introduction of AR. Now customers can get a live product demo in the comfort of their own homes. They can contact the showroom and get in touch with the in-house expert, who can then stream the live demo in augmented reality. Customers can also interact with the expert using in-session tools and get all of their questions clarified.
Similarly, AR can be used to guide customers during the installation process. With the help of visual aids, remote experts can give step-by-step instructions and ensure that the customer is setting up the appliance in the right manner.
The road ahead for online retail
AR technology is still in its developmental phase, and with each improvement, we can expect more sophisticated and personalized shopping experiences for the general public. With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), retailers can get more detailed insights on consumer behavior and tailor their marketing strategies for better success.
AR in the retail industry offers many benefits, such as engaging customer experiences, immersive product visualizations, increased sales, reduced return rates, and visual customer support. This is an opportune time to explore how AR fits into your retail business and leverage it to your advantage.
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