Why Is AR Important for the Retail Shopping Experience in the New Decade?

Not everyone keeps up with the latest trends in retail. For instance, you probably know many retailers offer online shipping now, even if they have traditional brick and mortar stores. A surprising development you might not have noticed is the role augmented reality is playing in the shopping experience.

If you’re out and about, then let’s say you spot something you really like. Whether it’s a table for the dining room or shoes to add to your collection, it’s not always advantageous to spot something and buy it on the spot. For the table, you might want to know what it’d look like with the rest of your decor. As far as the shoes go, you might want to spot a better price online. 

Anytime a consumer is looking for a more specialized and personalized shopping experience, augmented reality (AR) can step in to help. Through recent advancements in retail app development, AR shopping tools aren’t just coming; they’re here. In fact, everything from return rates to customer satisfaction improve when retailers offer AR capabilities. Here’s how these digital platform features can change retail for the better.

What AR Does to Enhance the Consumer Experience

Augmented reality provides shoppers with a more in-depth, informative shopping experience. Consumers want to feel confident in their purchases and know they are getting the best product and price while doing so. One way we see this happening for the in-store experience is virtual fitting rooms. U.K. based Topshop launched these touch-screen experiences in their shops as early as 2011. Scan a product, stand in front of the camera, and see what the style looks like on your body. This is perfect for those shoppers who want something in their size and can’t find it, or who just don’t like the hassle of a fitting room.

Likewise, consumers find the augmented reality solutions to be great for finding a deal. Early adopted Google created their Lens software to allow shoppers to photograph something they love and see where it’s sold. Likewise, metadata provides users with the ability to see products that have similar characteristics. If you see a great summer wedge while out and about, snap a photo, and see others ranging in heel size, color, and price all from your phone screen.

What AR Does to Enhance the Retailer’s Offerings

AR isn’t only making life easier for the consumer. In fact, a lot of e-commerce retailers build brand awareness through listing their products within AR databases. Let’s go back to the wedge example from above. If I run an online-only shoe shop, then I can’t reach shoppers when they’re out at the mall. So, I list my wedge heels in things like Google Shopping or Amazon. When the shopper snaps a picture of the brown shoes they like, they can see I offer the same thing. 

Online listings within AR peripherals are also a great place to get customer feedback. Amazon allows you to not only try on things virtually, but you can check reviews and ratings all at the same time. This space allows for the consumer to get feedback from past purchasers, but the company and manufacturer also sees what people are looking for. In the end, consumer data is getting less expensive thanks to digital technologies. By providing shoppers a space to take a photo of what they like and also pinpoint the features they desire, retailers can make a more informed decision when choosing inventory and offerings.

Augmented Reality is Here Now

There’s no more talk of when AR will hit retail and have a major impact on the industry. Augmented reality is here to stay, and consumers and retailers can both benefit from its utilities. Make the effort now to invest time and energy into AR and start reaping the rewards!