Of all the emerging technologies that are transforming retail, augmented reality (AR) is worth mentioning. AR allows users to have computer-generated imagery interact with real-world encounters, making it useful for entertainment, marketing, and training professionals without the need for any equipment. Reported for its broad applicability Globe Newswire, the AR market is expected to grow to $2028 billion (EUR 90,8) by 84,9, with a CAGR of 31,5%.
Today, AR is used extensively in marketing to attract visitors to brands' digital platforms and improve customer education through 3D simulations of products. In retail, the new applications revolve around the ability to balance physical reality and digital interactions. Here are some innovative examples of how AR can be used to advance physical retail.
Immersive experience in the shop
AR has already been used in e-commerce to provide interactive 360-degree views of products, providing more information about design, materials and functionality. This application can also be extended to in-store experiences to better inform customers. At the House of Innovation, Nike's flagship store in New York, customers can learn more about the products by trying them on and checking them out digitally. Similarly, Lacoste offers AR graphic zones that can adjust shoe sizes to simulate what they would look like on a customer.
Another way to improve the customer experience with AR is to attract customers through virtual tours. Kate Spade used this when opening her first brick and mortar store in Paris. The My Little Paris Tapestry app allows customers to see unexpected images of the city and receive special gifts as soon as they arrive at the boutique. Applications like these raise the bar for customer experience by providing personalized and unique brand encounters.
AR packaging
Marketing is crucial to a brand's identity; one of the most important components is the customer experience. With AR packaging, brands can take their marketing strategies to the next level by offering their customers unique encounters that enhance their image.
Our article 'Augmented Reality for Packaging' explains how Jack Daniel's Whiskey and hair care brand Herbal Essences have taken advantage of this. By scanning a Jack Daniel's bottle, customers gain insight into the company's history and ethos through a comprehensive virtual tour of the distillery, complete with ornate book-style diorama graphics. The packaging of Herbal Essences also leads to interactive graphics - in this case a beach landscape - which educate the customer about the origin of the recycled plastic bottles. Such experiences allow customers to feel the excitement for your product long after they have bought your product. More importantly, they anchor your brand's image in their minds by immersing them in the story behind your brand.
Improving SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an essential part of any business's marketing strategy. The agency for digital marketing Ayima explains that SEO strategies include performance SEO, analytics, and paid or biddable media. These strategies help measure your placement in search results, evaluate the effectiveness of your campaigns, and attract leads with paid advertising. This way you ensure that your company's information is easily accessible to the public and that you reach the relevant audiences.
With AR, SEO has new applications that are especially beneficial for retailers. Loud Forbes AR can be used to provide location-specific experiences. At the moment, AR promotes SEO primarily through its presence in social media. The Louvre offers 360-degree virtual tours, and brands like Browns Fashion have released filters to increase engagement on their platforms. But AR can also expand the possibilities in stores. To improve your local SEO ranking, you can provide all information about your store with scannable codes or make special offers to customers near your location. Additionally, being able to offer interactive AR experiences on your store through your website can increase overall time on your page, thereby improving your rankings.
Modern technologies can enhance your in-store retail experiences. With AR, the possibilities are limitless. If you are interested in more AR news, you can here at mazing learn more.
