bridging the gap between online and offline shopping: Retail Technology Innovation Hub

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Product information, education and customization

AR in retail not only allows shoppers to virtually try on products, it also gives them the ability to learn more about the products they are buying. A real-life example of this is the American Apparels StyleMatch app.

This app allows its users to scan a barcode of the products. This way, they can view detailed information about the product. From the material of the products, size information and care instructions. Their app also provides style tips to shoppers.

For some shoppers, this can enrich their shopping experience by understanding what exactly they are spending their money on.

Businesses can also leverage AR to educate buyers. For example, they may offer tutorials on how to use the products or even personalize the products with information about each material. An example? adidas has adidas Makerlab. This allows their users to make their own custom shoes using AR.

According to a report by Gartner, companies that use personalization through technology can increase their revenue by 15%, which may explain why adidas has invested heavily in these venues.

Product information, education and personalization enable customers to make better purchases, strengthen their trust and good feeling with the brand, and ultimately position the brand as an expert/guide/innovator.

Facilitate global trade and gamification

AR can be used to break down language barriers, facilitating international trade through the use of real-time translation capabilities.

In doing so, retailers are facilitating the shopping experience for international customers, which can potentially increase brand reputation and can encourage more international customers to buy from them.

Furthermore, AR can also have features that gamify the shopping experience, elevating the shopper’s shopping process through fun and interactive activities. Games and initiatives like quizzes, challenges, and even scavenger hunts can motivate fun-loving shoppers to earn rewards and shop.

This can also increase the likelihood of repeat visits to the store, and of course the same strategy can be implemented in an online store.

Final thoughts

The convergence of digital and physical initiatives in better shopping is ushering us into a new era of shopping and bringing more options, power and entertainment to consumers. In this way, brands connect to their customers on a completely different level.

It’s clear that technology like AR is strengthening these connections and revolutionizing the shopping experience for many. What the future holds for both shopping and AR is exciting, and our intrigue lies in how this will play out further.

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