Augmented Reality Examples in Different Verticals: How It Can Increase Sales?

We have recently seen the use of AR in eye wear but is it for everyone? Let's find out with augmented reality examples in different verticals.

Retail businesses often seek innovative, tech-driven solutions to enhance brand awareness, customer satisfaction, sales proficiency, and other relevant KPIs.

Many top players now have integrated immersive technologies like augmented reality into their sales channels to make the shopping experience more friendly, satisfying, and intuitive for the consumers. In fact, AR has brought a breakthrough in e-commerce, changing the way businesses function.

But before we get to the “how” part, let’s address what is augmented reality in simple words.

AR is an enhanced version of the objects in the real world used to provide an interactive experience virtually. The technology blends real-life imagery with virtual components to create an augmented reality.

There are many augmented reality examples.

Ecommerce meets AR

The most common example of an Augmented Reality application is the Pokemon Go app. However, the technology is expanding across different segments, from healthcare to marketing. And then there's augmented reality in eCommerce, of course.

IKEA, a household name, has an AR version of its catalogue. Its app provides customers to test the products in real-time through true-to-scale 3D visuals. Another renowned name, Amikasa is an excellent AR tool for interior designing and home improvement. You can choose from a collection of AR-ready products and see how it will look in real life; for instance, you can place the furniture virtually and see if it’s a right fit for your space.

Sephora is another popular AR example. Sephora Virtual Artist lets you try different makeup products and match them with the outfit in the picture you upload. It creates a virtual try-and-buy experience for shoppers, which helps boost conversion and lower returns.

Apart from these, there are several examples of the application of augmented reality in fashion and lifestyle, such as by brands like Lenskart, Lakme, and Nike.

Why Should You Try Augmented Reality in Ecommerce?

Augmented reality is a powerful technology that can boost your sales and give your brand an extra edge. COVID-19 has changed consumer behaviour worldwide. In such times, using augmented reality to preview an item in its final sale environment is bridging the gap of not seeing it in real life.

Displaying the item in AR takes the uncertainty away; people prefer it over just looking at static product images. The realism and accuracy of the things in this tech establishes trust among the consumers.

If you’re still debating over the relevance of AR, here’s why e-commerce business owners need to embrace this tech:

• Personalise online shopping - Augmented reality in fashion and lifestyle lets customers see how products would look on them. Instead of looking at models wearing them, seeing them on their own self adds a level of personalisation that builds trust and increases sales.
• Stands out the brand- AR provides business owners to stand out from the crowd of competitors and achieve an edge. While your competitors are still obsessing product images, you have levelled up your game with modern technologies.
  
• Higher customer retention- Deliver a great experience to your customers and they would inevitably return for another purchase. And not just that, they would also play a key role in word-of-mouth marketing. Collectively, these add to your financial returns in the long run.
  

There are many more benefits of augmented reality in e-commerce.

Take your sales to the next level

According to Retailer's perception insights, 40% of customers are willing to spend more on products offered in an augmented reality setup. The AR industry has grown to $120 billion and is going to disrupt the eCommerce industry. Augmented reality in marketing is the key to increase sales and conversion rate. Let's look at how you can digitally transform your organisation and impact the sales process:

• AR lets you gain the instant attention of prospects. Due to the wild popularity of AR games, showcasing your products in AR view can immediately attract and engage prospects and hold their attention for long.
• Augmented Reality in marketing: Instead of using plain emails and social media for initial communication, your product's sample interactive AR experience can get the client interested in communicating with your brand from the initial stage.
  
• It helps demonstrate the product value. Instead of boring presentations that can't explain designs and utility, AR offers a life-size 3D model that lets your product speak for itself.
  
• Storytelling is essential to sales, and AR keeps the customer as the central character and increases buyer engagement.
  
• Augmented reality makes understanding the product value easy for customers. This saves time on multiple demos and speeds up the decision process. As a result, your sales cycle time is reduced.
  
• Along with time, AR can save your transportation cost. Instead of taking the product to the client, you use a virtual 3D model that is interactive and customisable.
  
• Augmented reality enhances your brand recall value. It offers a memorable customer experience and paves the way for customer retention.
  

AR - Disruption in the Jewelry Industry

Jewelry comes under the tactile category, which means people prefer to try it before making a purchase.

However, online Jewelry platforms do not give an exact idea about the size and details of an ornament. This is where augmented reality in Jewelry takes the centre stage.

An AR-powered application can provide features like social media sharing, the easy trial of Jewelry like rings, necklaces, etc.

Augmented reality collects customer behaviour data letting business owners improve the overall customer experience. Top Jewelry brands are inclining towards 360-degree views, e-catalogues, and virtual try-on.

Famous Indian Jewelry brands like Tanishq, TBZ, Kalyan jewelers, PC jewelers and Amrapali have integrated AR into their sales and marketing channels to stay ahead through solutions like MirrAR.

Augmented Reality in Retail

Despite being a game-changing offer to the retail and e-commerce industry, Augmented Reality remains primarily untapped. The technology is fresh, and as an eCommerce business owner, it makes sense to make the most of it to offer an unprecedented customer experience and knock off the competition.

If you are a retailer, it's time to transform your brick-and-mortar stores into virtual platforms using AR solutions. Your virtual space can be continuously modified to meet product preferences and customer trends. Extend your business beyond simple reality and dive into a heightened one to enjoy sky-rocketed sales and an expanded customer base.

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