AR has come on leaps and bounds over the years. Brands are now able to engage and immerse clients in their products and services in completely new ways. From the click of a button, you could be exploring a virtual shop floor, handling a product or even trying on clothes.
In this article, we’re going to be looking at some of the most exciting and cool ways web AR is being used in retail. Let’s jump in.
1. Virtual Try-Ons
One of the most existing and enjoyable uses of web AR in retail has to be virtual try-ons.
This tech allows customers to virtually try on products like clothing, accessories, or makeup without needing to visit a store. Ideal for those who want to essentially ‘try before they buy’.
For example, brands like Gucci and Warby Parker offer AR experiences where customers can try on sunglasses or shoes at home using their smartphones, which reduces the need for physical fitting rooms and potentially quicker sales.
Plus, one of the biggest bonuses with virtual try-ons is convenience and boosted customer confidence in their purchases (not to mention a more immersive shopping experience). By adopting AR, retailers can engage tech-savvy consumers and make the shopping process more interactive and fun.
2. Product Visualisation
On a similar note, web AR also allows customers to see products in their own space before buying, which is super handy for things like furniture or home decor.
Instead of guessing whether that new sofa will fit in your living room, you can use your phone to project a 3D version of it right where you want it. Brands like IKEA are already doing this, allowing shoppers to visualise how their products will look and fit. It helps take the guesswork out of online shopping – because there’s nothing more frustrating than buying furniture only to find it doesn’t fit in your space! Whether it’s a lamp, a table, or something else, AR makes sure it fits your style and space perfectly before you hit “buy.”
3. Interactive Product Packaging
It might not be the most glamorous use, but web AR adds a different element to packaging.
By scanning a product’s packaging with their phone, customers can unlock interactive experiences like tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, or even cool games. This is a great way to add value and engage shoppers after they’ve bought the product.
Take a look at how Jack Daniels used interactive product packaging.
4. Virtual Store Tours
As you might have guessed, virtual store tours let customers explore a shop from anywhere using Web AR.
This feature is perfect for people who want to browse in-store products without physically being there. With a simple tap, users can “walk” through a store, check out different sections, and even view items up close – all from their smartphone.
Brands like Tommy Hilfiger have used this to showcase their latest collections in an interactive, 3D environment. It’s a convenient way to give customers a taste of the in-store experience, making online shopping more immersive and engaging while boosting product discovery.
5. AR Product Customisation
AR product customisation essentially allows customers to personalise their items before they hit that ‘buy’ button.
From changing colours and materials to adding personal touches like text or graphics, web AR allows shoppers to see exactly how their customisations will look. This is especially popular with brands selling footwear, clothing, or accessories, where customisation options are a key selling point.
For example, a footwear brand could offer an AR tool that allows customers to design their own shoes – choosing everything from the colour of the laces to the style of the sole. Customers can see their personalised designs as 3D models, rotating and viewing the product from all angles before placing an order. This makes customisation easier and more engaging, as customers can experiment with options and instantly see the result.
Not only does this increase customer satisfaction by providing a tailored product, but it also encourages shoppers to spend more time on a retailer’s website or app. The interactive, creative process builds a sense of ownership and connection to the product, making it more likely that the customer will go through with the purchase. It’s a fantastic way to create a unique, memorable shopping experience that stands out.
6. Gamified Shopping Experiences
Gamifying shopping is where you add game-like elements into customers’ shopping experiences. By doing this, retailers can make shopping more engaging and most importantly, enjoyable. For example, imagine going on a scavenger hunt in a store using your phone to find hidden virtual items. When you discover these items, you could unlock special discounts or rewards, sounds cool, right?
Brands like Sephora have tried this out by creating fun beauty games that help you learn while you shop. These playful activities not only keep customers entertained but also encourage them to explore more of what the store offers.
By making shopping a little more like play, retailers can attract more visitors and help customers feel more connected to their brand. It’s all about creating memorable moments that keep people coming back for more!
7. AR-Driven In-Store Navigation
We’ve all been in a situation where we can’t find what we’re looking for in a store. Whether it’s a supermarket, a clothing store or something else, AR-driven in-store navigation makes finding products a breeze.
Customers can use their smartphones to get directions to specific items within a store, guiding you right to the cereal aisle, showing you exactly where your favourite brand is located.
Stores like Lowe’s have embraced this technology, helping customers easily locate items in their big warehouses. This not only saves time but also makes the shopping experience quicker and more enjoyable. Customers feel empowered and confident as they navigate the store, making it more likely they’ll find everything on their list.
8. AR Social Media Integration
Let’s not leave social media out of the equation here.
Integrating AR into social media is a fun way for brands to engage customers and promote their products. Retailers can create AR filters or experiences that users can share on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. For example, a cosmetics brand might offer an AR filter that allows users to virtually try on different lipstick shades and share their looks with friends.
This approach not only boosts brand visibility but also encourages user-generated content, as customers showcase their experiences online. By making it easy for shoppers to interact with products in a playful way, brands can create buzz and excitement, making shopping feel more social and connected.
9. Super Specific Product Information
Getting into more of a niche zone here – but AR can now take product information to the next level by making it more interactive and informative for customers.
By scanning a product with their smartphone, shoppers can access additional details like user reviews, tutorials, or even ingredient lists in a visually engaging way. For instance, a food brand might allow customers to scan a packet of noodles to see nutritional information pop up, along with recipe ideas featuring that product.
This not only helps customers make informed choices but also adds value to their shopping experience. Instead of relying solely on labels, they can explore and learn more about what they’re buying. By providing this extra layer of information, brands can build trust and foster a deeper connection with their customers.
10. AR-Enabled Loyalty Programs
AR can spice up loyalty programs by making them more interactive and rewarding – because who doesn’t love a reward?
Retailers can encourage customers to engage with AR experiences to earn points or exclusive offers. For example, a coffee shop could use AR to let customers scan their cups to unlock special deals or access hidden rewards in their app.
This adds a fun twist to traditional loyalty programmes and should help to make customers feel more connected to the brand.
Conclusion
With AR continuing to develop in new and existing ways, it won’t be long before we see more and more shops and stores adopt it into theirs. Essentially, if retail brands are able to provide a more streamlined, engaging and enjoyable shopping experience for their customers, they’ll find it easier to stand out in a crowded market.
AR has the potential to transform how we shop, making it not just about purchasing items but also about having fun and connecting with brands. Many brands are already doing this and these changes are being met positively by stakeholders and customers alike.
The future of AR-assisted shopping is bright and we’ll likely see more developments in the near future.
The examples listed above talk for themselves. We anticipate new impressive campaigns in augmented reality retail and believe it will soon become a crucial tool in the marketing technology set.
AR mobile apps revolutionise retail by delivering immersive, personalised shopping experiences, such as virtual try-ons and the ability to visualise products in real-world settings
Apps like IKEA Place allow customers to see how furniture or fashion items will look in their homes or on themselves, increasing confidence in purchasing decisions
AR bridges the gap between online and in-store shopping, enabling customers to explore products virtually and seamlessly transition to physical stores as needed
The integration of AR with technologies like WebGL and Unity enhances interactivity, making shopping more engaging and accessible across various devices
By 2030, the AR market is expected to grow to £154 billion, as retailers adopt this technology to meet the rising demand for convenience, engagement, and modern shopping experiences
Why brands should use augmented reality?
Brands should use augmented reality since it can hugely boost their customer engagement and retention. Those using AR are seeing increased custom and can also benefit from lower return rates. AR can also be used by brands to improve self-service as well as broaden marketing strategies.
How does augmented reality benefit retailers?
Augmented reality allows brands to create a unique and therefore memorable experience for clients which will keep them coming back. It can also improve on self-service elements of the shopping experience which means customers have a more enjoyable, smoother experience of your store and your brand.
What is augmented retail strategy?
Augmented retail strategy is the use of AR elements to improve aspects of the sales process for customers. It includes branding and marketing, creating an experience for customers which promotes the product or service and encourages them to purchase it through the aid of augmented reality.
What is AR and VR in retail?
Augmented reality is a way of overlaying digital elements onto real life, such as displaying a product’s information on a hologram screen or projecting an item onto an image of your real home. VR, or virtual reality, has been used by some companies to create entire virtual stores which customers can explore from their own homes.
