Augmented reality shopping might really make all the difference, giving the whole business of going out to shop a new raison d’être.
Traditional retail has got problems – and that’s not even a revelation.
A closer look at shopping behaviour of 46,000 consumers revealed that:
- 20 percent are online-only shoppers
- 7 percent are store-only shoppers
- 73 percent of shoppers use multiple channels
Now that means that even the biggest retailers begin to struggle to keep their brick-and-mortar stores afloat.
Brands launch stellar marketing campaigns, use deep data analysis to better reach out to audience, and provide helpful customer support.
All of these methods are crucial, but there’s one more thing retailers need to succeed − technological innovations.
How could implementing Augmented Reality help?
Provide try-and-buy experience
The core of AR technology is merging virtual objects with the real world, which means you can provide try-and-buy experiences for your shoppers.
Customers can virtually try on clothing and footwear, preview products they want to buy (such as furniture and electronics), and so forth.
Moreover, AR allows your customers not only to try on products but to personalise them as well − they can configure items to match their preferences and make better purchasing decisions.
This not only enhances the shopping experience but also minimises the risk of returns (which are unpleasant for any retailer), but is also particularly valuable for ecommerce, as online shoppers can’t try products but can only check out images and videos.
You can use advanced analytical tools to monitor your customers’ preferences and provide personalized product offers, thus increasing the probability of purchases.
According to recent research by computer vision and machine learning company DigitalBridge, for 64% of consumers, an ideal shopping assistant should combine augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
Reduce the need for in-store staff
Retail shops can use AR to cater to customers’ needs to try out different products without in-store assistance.
For those who fear AI and its impact on our daily lives, this probably isn’t a good thing.
But for retailers looking to reduce the business costs and stay ahead of the competition is a way to go.
Gather in-store data
Nowadays, nearly 60% of shoppers look up product information and prices while using their mobile phones in stores. Augmented reality could provide a critical solution to meeting those shoppers’ needs.
There’s certain product information a shopper can’t ask a sales associate – questions like, “What do other customers think of this product?”
While users are likely able to find this information online without an AR app, augmented reality helps bridge the gap between offline and online shopping, creating a more cohesive experience.
To help your customers find what they need more effortlessly, you might consider using AR in-store.