The world of retail has been changing rapidly over the past few years, and it’s only going to get more interesting in the future. The evolution of technology will continue to impact how consumers shop and what they buy. One emerging trend that is sure to have a significant impact on the way we shop is augmented reality (AR). AR will likely transform how retailers sell their products as it becomes more mainstream.
This article will discuss AR and how it will change consumer shopping experiences soon.
Augmented Reality: What Is It?
Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience where digital information is blended with real-world objects and environments. Brands and consumers can use it to enhance any type of shopping experience — from brick-and-mortar stores to online retailers.
AR works by overlaying virtual content with your view of the physical world. For example, you could see a product description or price tag while standing next to an item at a store. This would allow you to easily compare features and prices without going through multiple screens. You could also use AR to learn about new products before buying them.
How Will AR Impact Consumer Experience?
With AR becoming more popular, there are many ways that it will affect consumer shopping experiences. Here are just a few examples of how AR may change our shopping habits in the future:
1. Product Descriptions and Recommendations
Shopping can become easier and more interactive thanks to AR. Consumers will no longer need to search through piles of catalogs or browse websites to find out about products. They will simply look around the store and point their smartphones at items they want to purchase.
AR can help shoppers make better decisions when choosing which products to buy. If you’re looking for something specific, it can show you all the options available, along with information about those products. And if you don’t know precisely what you want, AR can provide suggestions based on similar products.
2. Product Visualization
Another way to use AR to improve customer experience is through product visualization. For instance, if you’re buying a piece of furniture online, you can use AR to visualize that product inside your home. It reduces the time needed to go to the store, take product measurements, and figure out how it will look in your space.
Using AR for product visualization can also work if a brand sells clothing or accessories. Users can try on different outfits right on their smartphone screen. This allows customers to quickly check out the fit and style of different clothes.
3. Interactive Packaging
Brands can also utilize AR through interactive packaging. For example, a box could contain a QR code that links to a website where users can learn more about the product. Or, the QR code can link to a tutorial video.
This type of packaging can help brands build stronger relationships with their customers. People will feel more connected with a brand after interacting with it. In addition, they’ll be more likely to share the content with friends and family.
4. Virtual Shelves
Virtual shelves are another way brands can use AR to enhance shopping experiences. They allow shoppers to browse virtual shelves for convenience. Shoppers can see what items are available and add them to their cart.
Any business can use virtual shelves. Retailers can place virtual shelves on their websites or in-store, making it easier for customers to find products. With AR, customers don’t have to search through thousands of results to find what they want.
5. Customer Service
Brands can now use AR to assist customers remotely. Instead of calling a company’s phone number, users can utilize AR to ask questions or request support. This eliminates the need to wait on hold or talk to a live person.
Brands can deliver FAQs and manuals via AR. Customers can access these documents on their phones and read them when they buy a certain product. This saves companies money because they won’t need additional staff to answer customer questions.
6. Marketing
Marketers can use AR to promote brands. Brands can create augmented reality ads that appear as part of the user’s environment. These ads can include videos, images, and other types of media. The goal is to get consumers to interact with the advertisement so that they’ll remember the brand later.
AR makes the customer experience more interactive, giving brands a greater chance of getting noticed. With this technology, people can engage with advertisements in unique ways. Brands that utilize AR effectively will stand out from competitors who do not.
The Bottom Line
Augmented reality has become one of the most popular technologies today. Companies across all industries are using it to improve the customer experience. Whether helping customers choose the best pair of jeans or allowing real estate agents to show potential buyers homes, AR helps businesses connect with their audience in new ways.
