Augmented Reality in Retail: The Future of Shopping
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. AR is gaining popularity in the retail sector, as it offers a number of benefits to both retailers and consumers.
The most common use of AR in retail in the UK is to provide customers with a virtual try-on experience. This allows customers to see how a product would look on them before they buy it, which can help to reduce returns and increase sales. For example, IKEA offers an AR app that allows customers to place virtual furniture in their homes to see how it would look before they buy it.
Other common uses of AR in retail include:
- Product visualization: AR can be used to create interactive 3D models of products, which customers can rotate and zoom in on to get a better view. This can be helpful for products that are difficult to visualize, such as furniture or clothing.
- Wayfinding: AR can be used to help customers find their way around a store. For example, an AR app could provide directions to a specific department or product.
- Customer engagement: AR can be used to create interactive experiences that engage customers and encourage them to spend more time in a store. For example, an AR app could allow customers to play games or take quizzes related to the products in the store.
AR is a powerful technology that has the potential to revolutionize the retail industry. By providing customers with a more immersive and engaging shopping experience, AR can help retailers to increase sales, reduce returns, and improve customer satisfaction.