Do you remember when you last shopped in a physical store at your pace and convenience? Within only seven months, the Coronavirus has made physical shopping a fun memory that can hardly be relived now. Several retail brands who are still functioning with the help of their streetside business used their digital presence to overcome this situation to an extent, but the desire and experience of sensory and tangible shopping hold high value and is preferred by the majority of customers worldwide.
The Global Web Index conducted a survey, which showed that the pandemic has boosted consumer behaviors, opening up the option to pick up a few new habits like curbside pickup, online purchasing and picking up from the store, and digital expenditure by the mass. Since there is an unexpected switch from human to digital experiences, it means that every business now needs to go digital.
Augmented Reality (AR) tech allows a significantly improved experience by laying down digital information over real-live objects, such as sounds, texts and images. In the present day, AR shopping is introducing high-end features in various industries like makeup, furniture, apparel, home essentials and automotive. This technology would have been differently welcomed if there was no pandemic, but the ongoing crisis has kept everything contactless and thus AR becomes a key provider of offline consumer experience and engagement for retailers looking to adapt the digital experience. Here is show AR is making a difference.
Full-scale Virtual Models
When customers view 3D models of products on E-commerce websites, the chances of conversion increases to a great extent. An example would be the new AR shopping app Argos has put forth. It allows the viewer to check out true scale product visualizations from their home before deciding to purchase it. IKEA and LEGO have also initiated AR support in packaging and printed catalogs where a customer can pick a product and view it as a real-world object while also receiving more information and immediate options to purchase. It is different because a shopper can easily understand how it will look and fit in their space; it helps in customer satisfaction and lessens product returns.
Try and Buy
Many beauty and fashion brands are availing the perks of AR either on their websites or social media. Gucci has incorporated AR in its app to allow a customer to try its range of sneakers seamlessly pair after pair. Sephora combines facial recognition with AR to let a user try its various make-up products and shades and also make an easy purchase at one go.
Most people are waiting to return to ‘normal’ so that they can touch and feel the products by visiting the stores, but due to restrictions and social distancing, this will take a long time. Meanwhile, retailers need to pursue their journey in creating noteworthy experiences that can help maintain good customer-retailer relationships. Companies are reviving with the help of AR and redeveloping the shopping experience in a whole new manner.
