The Rise of Augmented Reality in Retail: Enhancing Customer Experience and Increasing Sales
Augmented reality (AR) technology is revolutionizing the way retailers engage with customers and drive sales, according to a recent report by SkyQuest Technology. The report reveals that the adoption of AR by retailers is on the rise, with 24% of respondents already using the technology in their business and another 26% considering its use.
One of the most popular use cases for AR in retail is product visualization, with 41% of retailers using or considering using AR for this purpose. Other common use cases include customer engagement, marketing and advertising, and store operations.
AR shopping tools are enhancing customer experience (CX) by allowing customers to visualize products in a real-life environment before making a purchase. Research shows that 80% of AR shoppers feel more confident in their online purchases after experiencing the items through AR. In fact, one quarter of respondents have used AR as a substitute for in-person shopping across various categories.
Major retailers like IKEA and Gucci are already leveraging AR technology to enhance the online shopping experience. IKEA’s Place application allows customers to virtually place furniture in their homes, while Gucci’s mobile app lets shoppers try on AR sneakers by simply pointing their camera at their feet.
In-store experiences are also being transformed by AR technology, with brands like Nike using AR to create interactive experiences for customers. By scanning QR codes in-store, customers can unlock unique stories and 3D-scanned assets, bringing the brand’s history and products to life.
The impact of AR on conversion rates is significant, with research showing that interacting with products that have AR experiences leads to a 94% higher purchase conversion rate. Brands that use AR also report improvements in brand awareness and customer acquisition.
Overall, AR technology is proving to be a game-changer for retailers looking to enhance customer experience, drive sales, and differentiate themselves from competitors. With the potential to attract customers through a variety of channels, AR is set to become an essential tool for retailers in the digital age.
