{"id":708,"date":"2019-04-18T21:30:03","date_gmt":"2019-04-18T21:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/?p=708"},"modified":"2023-05-12T09:18:39","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T09:18:39","slug":"5-augmented-reality-shopping-breakthroughs-for-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/5-augmented-reality-shopping-breakthroughs-for-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Augmented Reality Shopping Breakthroughs for Businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stiff competition drives companies to reimagining experiences for modern consumers. Along with social and voice commerce<\/a>, augmented and virtual reality commerce are seen as viable solutions. Retail showcasing is a leading AR and VR spending trend<\/a>. New technologies enable products to \u2018come to life\u2019 and to immerse users deeper into a shopping experience. Unique experiences empower businesses to entertain, educate, and engage consumers as never before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the availability of VR\/AR to wider audiences is growing, forward-looking retailers and online stores<\/a> should get ready to incorporate them into their business flows. It\u2019s reasonable to take greater advantage of augmented reality first. It\u2019s accessible without specialized gear on a shopper\u2019s smartphone. This advantage is coupled with the growing number of purchases via mobile devices and shoppers using smartphones in stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article offers some ideas for enhancing customer experiences and marketing with AR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Augmented Reality Shopping Solutions for Ecommerce<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

AR enables potential customers to experience products and services at home and to make informed purchase decisions. They can examine a realistic 3D model of a product as if it was in front of them. AR functionalities are especially valuable where the decision depends on where the product is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Return of the goods often comes down to the consumer\u2019s inability to visualize them within their setting. For example, HORNE sells unique furnishing items only online. Interior designers make up a large segment of their customers. People would frequently send in a photo of a room and ask \u2018Would that lamp look good?\u2019 Thanks to AR, now they can see it i<\/a>n their room<\/a>, next to the pieces they already own. A designer can shoot a link over to their client. They\u2019ll pop a product up on their phone, point it at their room, and make the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The multi-channel Anthropologie released an eponymous mobile app with a similar feature. It empowers shoppers to customize the look of the furniture with different fabrics, colors, and finishes. It gives views from different angles and even with different lighting. Creatively visualizing a piece in their home, consumers get closer to the idea of owning it and feel more confident about purchases starting at thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cosmetics are also better to \u201ctry before you buy.\u201d MakeupGenius app by L\u2019Or\u00e9al Paris was the first to let consumers make up their face virtually. They could match and even mix products to create the desired look.
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Sephora also offered virtual makeup and overlaying tutorials on selfies. If the user liked the look, they could buy it. (Notice how both applications are reducing the number of steps to make a purchase while showcasing products.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost 70%<\/a> of online shoppers still abandon their carts. Businesses must work harder to convince them to purchase. In some aspects, online shopping should feel more like being inside a physical store. Again, AR and VR provide an answer. Virtual stores and showrooms offer more immersive shopping experiences than most ecommerce apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ufeffRetail stores\u2019 main advantage over ecommerce is that shoppers can see how garments fit and look on their body. AR apps are changing the game by offering virtual fitting rooms. GAP was one of the first to do it with the DressingRoom app. Users pick their body size, select an item, and see a digital mannequin wearing it. Users can see how garments look from different angles and purchase them from within the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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