Augmented reality (AR) is an exciting new technology that allows users to experience digital content in the real world. AR has the potential to revolutionize many industries, from entertainment and gaming to healthcare and education.
The Evolution of Augmented Reality in Retail
AR technology first emerged in the late 1990s, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it began to gain traction in the retail industry. Early AR applications were primarily focused on product visualization and virtual try-on experiences.
For example, IKEA’s AR app allowed customers to see how furniture would look in their home before making a purchase, while L’Oreal’s AR app allowed customers to try on makeup virtually.
As the technology improved, retailers began to explore more creative applications of AR. In 2011, Coca-Cola launched an AR campaign that allowed customers to scan bottle caps with their smartphones and unlock exclusive content. The campaign was a huge success, generating over 7 million scans and reaching over 60 million people.
In recent years, the retail industry has continued to invest in AR technology. In 2018, IKEA launched an AR app that allowed customers to visualize furniture in their home using augmented reality. The app was so popular that it was downloaded over 1 million times within the first few months of launch.
One of the most recent and innovative uses of AR in retail is the use of virtual fitting rooms. Virtual fitting rooms allow customers to try on clothes virtually, without having to physically put them on. This technology has been particularly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many customers have been unable to visit physical stores.
Case Studies: How Retailers are Using AR in Their Stores
To better understand how retailers are using AR in their stores, let’s look at some case studies.
IKEA’s AR App
As mentioned earlier, IKEA launched an AR app in 2011 that allowed customers to see how furniture would look in their home before making a purchase.
The app worked by using the camera on the user’s smartphone to scan the room and then overlaying digital furniture onto the real-world environment. Users could move and rotate the furniture to see how it would look in different positions, and they could also change the colors and materials of the furniture to better match their style.
The app was so popular that IKEA decided to expand its AR offerings in 2018 with the launch of an AR app that allowed customers to visualize furniture in their home using augmented reality. The app was a huge success, generating over 1 million downloads within the first few months of launch.
Lululemon’s Virtual Fitting Room
Another retailer that has embraced AR technology is Lululemon. In 2020, Lululemon launched a virtual fitting room that allowed customers to try on clothes virtually.
The virtual fitting room worked by using the camera on the user’s smartphone to create a 3D avatar of the customer. The avatar was then dressed in different outfits, and the customer could see how the outfits would look on their body in real-time. The virtual fitting room allowed customers to try on clothes without having to physically put them on, which was particularly convenient during the COVID-19 pandemic when many customers were unable to visit physical stores.