Customers today prefer online shopping not just for simple and seamless transactions, but also for a surreal shopping experience that helps them make confident decisions. According to a NielsenIQ survey, about 56% users prefer eCommerce apps that come with immersive experiences.
This is where augmented reality offers businesses a chance to create engaging, immersive visualizations that help users confidently buy products or services from an eCommerce app.
Augmented reality (AR) in eCommerce not only boosts sales but also builds a stronger connection between the two - user and the ecommerce website development company. This blog will help you understand the overview of AR solutions in the eCommerce industry, its top benefits, and 3 real-world company examples that use AR.
Brief Overview of Augmented Reality Solutions in eCommerce
Augmented reality or AR in eCommerce industry enables customers to try on products before actually buying them. It helps businesses to make eCommerce applications or websites that provide visual experiences to their end users through their handheld devices, such as mobile phones, AR glasses, tablets, etc.
This immersive technology offers enhanced user experiences by overlaying digital elements onto the real-world environment components. It creates a seamless yet interactive shopping experience, which results in users trusting the brand more and also frequent repeat purchases.
By implementing AR while developing an eCommerce app or site, businesses can stay ahead of industry trends and pave the way for long-term success and operational growth.
Key Benefits of Implementing AR within eCommerce Apps
Many startups have been leveraging modern eCommerce app development services, especially incorporating AR technology within their eCommerce apps. Augmented reality empowers businesses to compete in this competitive world, delivers personalized shopping apps, and creates strong user satisfaction and engagement.
Now, let’s deep dive into the core benefits that AR technology brings when incorporated within eCommerce apps:
Reduced Return Rates:
For businesses, one of the most difficult challenges is to combat the high product return rates. This happens due to the mismatch between what the customers were expecting and what they got in reality. In a recent survey, 56% customers claimed that they returned the products as they did not match the described properties in the description section.
Virtual try-ons, 3D real-like visuals, or product demos through augmented reality minimize return rates as customers can now try the service or product before they actually buy it.
Improved Conversion Rates:
43% of users expect to shop from eCommerce apps that use AR and provide enhanced visualization to them. Partnering with a reliable IT consultancy company can ensure you have AR immersive experiences that users can see and interact with the product. This encourages them to confidently make purchase decisions.
AR technology also allows users to make informed purchase decisions by carefully understanding the real features with virtual try-on features. This ultimate satisfaction leads to reduced return rates and enhanced conversion rates.
Enhanced Customer Relationships:
AR not only increases the user conversion rates and reduces product return rates but also builds a long-term, lasting bond between users and businesses. Companies that offer engaging and immersive experiences via AR have access to benefits such as increased brand loyalty, repeat purchases, and strong customer trust.
For businesses, partnering with a trusted eCommerce mobile app development company and leveraging modern eCommerce app development services with AR features can be considered a strategic step ahead. It will help you gain a competitive edge and provide you with enhanced business growth and operational success.
Real-world AR in eCommerce Examples
Every business nowadays implements augmented reality within its applications or websites to increase customer engagement levels and drive its profit levels. However, there are some top real-world examples that have gained significant benefits from using AR technology. Let’s explore these top 3 companies in detail:
IKEA:
The IKEA place paplixation uses smartphone cameras and AR technology for virtually placing 3D furniture in your real-world space. This allows users to experiment, explore, and share their thoughts about the furniture with their family, resulting in enhanced purchasing decisions.
Impact of utilizing AR technology:
Implementing AR technology within their app, they found a 14% increase in conversion rates and about a 20% reduction in product returns.
Nike Fit:
Nike introduced their Nike Fit feature within their Nike app, which is an AI-driven foot-scanning technology. This helps you to scan your feet, collect 13 data points, which include the length, shape, and width of the foot. With this data, Nike Fit finds the most accurate size for you and provides you with different Nike shoes in the same size.
Impact of utilizing AR technology:
According to Nike, this technology saved them millions of dollars as they have seen huge growth and reduced online returns by 28%.
Sephora
Sephora is another company that is leading the way by integrating AR technology. Its virtual artist feature, which is available on both the app and website, uses a live 3D facial recognition feature. This feature lets users try on different makeup products in real-time, without actually buying them.
Impact of utilizing AR technology:
Since the launch of Sephora’s virtual artist feature, they have seen a tremendous increase of 200% in engagement levels and 30% increase in their lipstick sales.
Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality: A Detailed Tabular Comparison
Here is a tabular comparison that can help you clarify the difference between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR):
Feature | Augmented Reality (AR) | Virtual Reality (VR) |
|---|---|---|
View | Adds to the real world | Creates a new digital world |
Hardware Requirement | Smartphones, AR glasses, and tablets | Advanced VR headsets such as Oculus Rift |
Use Cases | eCommerce, education, healthcare, and real estate industry | Gaming, entertainment, and architectural industries |
Mobility | Highly mobile, as it can be used anywhere with the hardware device | Limited mobility, as it needs specific and advanced setups |
Development Complexity | Comparatively simpler than VR, and is a cost-effective solution | Complex and may come with high development costs |
The Bottom Line
Utilizing AR in eCommerce allows you to build user trust, drive sales, and make users’ experience more engaging, which ultimately leads to increased conversion rates. However, for a smarter AR investment, collaborating with an experienced software development company can help you gain brand reputation and meet your targeted audience’s changing needs and requirements. Whether you are a startup or want to upgrade your existing digital presence, implementing AR immersive experiences can ensure your company remains future-ready in the targeted industry.
