10 Ways Augmented Reality Can Assist Retail

augmented-reality-marketing   

 Today innovation trends influence significantly the marketing strategy. Mobile devices became a vital element of a sales process, being used in decision-making processes. Following the trend, augmented reality has emerged as an innovative tool that allows brands to interact with consumers on their mobile devices. AR creates new digital experience that enriches the relationship between a consumer and a brand and can be used in any location – through PC at home, mobile devices or kiosks in stores.

     Retailers have traditionally relied on print advertising campaigns or other media to promote products. Being divided in the past, print, media and in-store marketing efforts are merged today into the comprehensive consumer experience via augmented reality. Integration of augmented reality in marketing efforts aims to build consumer relationship, boost sales, and add value to the shopper experience. Retailers are getting the chance to attract their target audience by means multiple traditional and non-traditional interactions.

     Here are TOP-10 ways augmented reality can help retailers (with examples):

1. Improves conversion rates and reduces returns for clothing stores – Virtual fitting room (J.C.Penney)

     Increased online conversion rate and reduced returns lead to an improved company’s profitability.

2. Optimizes warehouse space (SAP & Vuzix)

     Augmented reality can improve navigation around warehouse territory when big spaces and a lot of inventory items are involved.

3. Combines traditional retail experience and e-commerce (Yihaodian & O&M)

     The creation of virtual retail stores of any size makes it possible to stay closer to the customers with no inventory costs and long lines.

4. Enhances brand recognition (Augmented Pixels & Tavria-V)

     Gamification added to the physical products helps to engage customers with a product and works as an incentive to a quicker purchase.

5. Empowers advertising campaigns (VW)

     Brands can incorporate AR experience into an advert which directs the user to the additional web content, product video, coupons etc.

6. Lets customers “try” before they buy with a 3D product preview (Lego)

     The product demonstration may not be as high pressure as a pitch situation but it is still a selling opportunity. AR experience can make an engaging alternative in situations when it is impossible to demonstrate a real product.

7. Displays additional information about products shown, enriches shopping experience (IBM Research)

     Anything from nutritional information to a virtual coupon that customers can redeem at check out can be incorporated with augmented reality.

8. Searches for deals around (Valpak)

     Augmented reality functionality helps merchants’ offers get found and used by consumers.

9. Visualizes product catalogs (Kohl’s)

     The “projected” catalog items give a customer a real-time, scale view of what the product would look like in their space.

10. Brings customers inside a store (Hugo Boss)

     AR-enabled store windows entertain potential customers and make them wonder what’s inside.

=”font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;”>     Technologies are emerging with a speed of light. Companies that are open to new opportunities and adopt trending technologies for business development are the most likely to grow their revenue and market share.

     Augmented reality marketing and retail are fairly new, although we can see the significant growth of successful campaigns over the recent years. Retail is a very attractive field to explore Augmented Reality because the results can be seen in real figures, live feedback from the customers and often get viral exposure due to its novelty. The examples listed above talk for themselves. We anticipate new impressive campaigns in augmented reality retail and believe it will soon become a crucial tool in the marketing technology set.

Author:  Augmented Pixels Co

Source(re-published from): http://www.mobilecommercepress.com/10-ways-augmented-reality-can-assist-retail

4 thoughts on “10 Ways Augmented Reality Can Assist Retail

  1. Appreciate the quality of the article posted. The points mentioned really do emphasize on the impact of AR in the field of retail.
    To add upon a few points, AR has been recently adopted by some of the major luxury brands across the globe in order to perceive the luxury to the end consumer. In addition, AR does help in filling the major void of the e-tail industry i.e. the inability of touch and feel. Example: RayBan implementing the concept of a Virtual Mirror on their website, similarly other brands such as Tissot using AR to make the consumer feel closer to the product.

    In my viewpoint, at present AR is being used as a flashy marketing tool across different sectors, but soon it would cater more towards the service industry and would further help in enhancing the consumer experience. Volkswagen has been a leader in picking up this trend where they are using AR to service the automobiles and enable the consumer with the real picture behind the scenes.

    Cheers,
    Anant Khanna

  2. Great and insightful article. Though I don’t agree with the order of the mentioned benefits, I certainly would have added a few more. Thanks for the great work!
    Regards from Sunny South Africa

    1. Vincent, thank you for your comment. There is no particular order in mentioning benefits in the article, but we are curious to know which one would you put at the top? Also, feel free to list more benefits you find relevant to augmented reality implementation. We are always happy to hear feedback!

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