We’re coming to the end of a foundational decade for augmented reality, which has seen  the creation of the hardware, software, tools and distribution channels that make AR viable, robust and affordable for the mass market. Now, we’re heading into a transformational five years for retail as thought-leading brands are increasingly reaping the benefits from the increased engagement, dwell times, memory recall and sales success that augmented reality for retail affords. 

 

This digital transformation undoubtedly means innovation within the eCommerce space, with the rapid adoption of virtual try-on and 3D product visualization, but it doesn’t mark the death of the high street and bricks-and-mortar retail. Augmented reality  for retail is about a context shift and a new way to think about the use of space - be that at home, in-store, or on the go. It requires a new way of thinking about how your brand and business should look, feel and behave in this new dimension. The goal is not just to provide entertainment, but also personalised and contextually relevant information to your end-users as a utility.

 

“AR and a camera capability for retail is about a context shift and a new way to think about the use of space be that at home, in-store or on the go.”

If you want to get ahead of this digital revolution for your brand or business, we have compiled five innovative ways to use augmented reality for retail, highlighting brands already leading the way and sharing the stats that we found hard to ignore.

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5 innovative ways to leverage augmented reality for retail 

1. Augmenting your shopper marketing promotion
2. Virtual product visualisation and try-on
3. Creating digital real estate in-store
4. Rewards schemes, redemption and collectibles
5. Digital twins, avatars and the retail metaverse

Top AR stats for retailers

64% are starting to invest in immersive experiences for commerce today. (Accenture)

AR doubles levels of attention and increases memory recall by 70% versus other channels. (Neuro Insight Mindshare Layered Report)

The reports showed that conversation rates increased 250 percent for products supported by AR try-on technology and helped reduce the rate of returns. (McKinsey and Shopify)

55% of consumers want to be able to point their phone at any object and receive information about it, rising to 74% amongst those who have already experienced AR. (Neuro Insight Mindshare Layered Report)

47% of consumers say immersive technologies make them feel connected with products. (Accenture)

74% say AR/VR can bridge the gap between online and offline. (Facebook)

 

Final Thoughts

AR drives attention, engagement, conversion and sales success. It creates direct conversations with consumers and provides better measurement and analytics.

The camera and spatial computing are enabling richer, more immersive experiences for brands and end-users. This trend is only going to accelerate as we move from mobile devices to headsets and glasses of the future over the next decade.

Make no mistake, if you don’t have a camera strategy and aren’t considering how your brand and business can take advantage of this new augmented superpower, you’re going to be falling behind in the new ‘space race’ of spatial computing and storytelling.

How to leverage AR in the new retail revolution

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