As we have mentioned before, every industry has its ways of operation. But the game changer always has to enter the scene to change it forever. In the retail business, product packaging has always been the prime factor when it comes to grabbing eyeballs. But now, Augmented Reality is the trump card that is revolutionizing the whole game.
Although, it is hard to find words about how AR is the much-awaited change the Retail industry deserved; it is not very easy to point out the key factors of AR that can work miracles to your brand. So, here we have created this brief guide listing some of the best aids of incorporating augmented reality in your retail business.
Based on our prior experience in retail solutions with augmented reality, and our research, we have compiled this discussion about AR revolutionizing the retail shopping experience for buyers.
1. Driving the consumers to stores
Online shopping has taken over the retail business and consumers are not visiting retail outlets anymore. This is stale news. No matter how much the consumers prefer online shopping, they still like visiting the brick & mortar shops and physically test the product. AR can heavily increase the chances that the consumers visit your store and not any other brands’. According to a research by ‘Retail Perceptions’, 61% of the consumers prefer stores that provide some sort of AR experience over those that don’t.
AR can be used to unify the online and traditional marketing approaches. For example: You can generate an AR discount coupon with your product that can only be redeemed in brick & mortar stores. This can increase footfall in the stores.
2. In-store Engagement Through AR
Augmented reality can be effectively used alongside generating more store visits. A consumer needs to be engaged with your brand while he/she is in your store. More brand engagement does not only convert leads into sales, it converts one-time users into your loyal consumers.
AR can be used to create an entertaining yet convenient shopping experience. For example: if you have a garments brand, you can incorporate augmented product try-ons. This can not only make the experience a lot more fun, but also it will save you the cost of trial garments & damages.
3. Product Visualizations with AR
Imagine if a prospective consumer could experience the product, way before buying it. Would that turn a lead into a transaction? The answer is obvious.
Same old dull product catalogues are just not attractive enough to hook the consumers. What AR can offer you is augmented product visualization. This can change the way people shop for products.
AR triggers can create 3D product visualizations just scanning the images. Other than that, AR can also be used for augmented try-ons. For example: Furniture industry can use AR to give the consumers an experience of how the product will look in their homes.
4. Cost Cutting Through AR
Returns after sale end up costing a huge amount to a retail business. According to a survey by The Financial Times, returns cost 60 billion euros to UK retailers per annum. AR comes to rescue in this scenario with 3D product visualizations.
With enabled AR technology, consumers now have the option to see if the product fits their needs from beforehand. This is typically applicable in the interior and furniture industry where the consumer needs to be of what he/she is buying. AR can answer their questions & that will clearly be beneficial for both the parties.
Augmented reality is ready to be incorporated in traditional mediums and is not at all to be ignored now. It can benefit the retailors by creating a wave of good will and sales maximization.
If you want to incorporate AR in your retail business, get in touch with us. Our team of experts is always on the lookout for challenging projects. Let’s discuss the possibilities of your business with augmented reality.