It was not long ago when people wished for an easier way to try on clothes and shop without having to drive to shopping centers and malls. Just in a click and without leaving their bed or couch. Today this is our new reality! This is the magic of augmented reality (AR) in marketing. AR combines the digital and physical worlds, making shopping not only easier but also more enjoyable. Let us show you how AR marketing works, why it’s fantastic, and what the future holds.

How AR Marketing Works

Think about the game Pokémon Go. It uses your phone’s camera to bring digital creatures into the real world, creating an immersive and interactive experience. AR in shopping works similarly. By using your smartphone or tablet, you can see digital objects and information superimposed on your real-world environment. It’s like having a magic window through which you can explore and interact with products.

When you use an AR app from a retailer, you can point your camera in your living room and see how a new sofa would look in your space. Or you can use your front-facing camera to try on a new pair of sunglasses without ever visiting the store. This seamless blending of digital and physical worlds offers an incredible, almost magical, shopping experience.

Why AR Marketing is Awesome

First of, you try before you buy.
One of the biggest advantages of AR in shopping is the ability to “try before you buy.” How often have you ordered something online only to find out it doesn’t fit or doesn’t look quite right in your space? With AR, you can avoid these disappointments. You can see exactly how a pair of shoes will look on your feet or if a piece of furniture will fit in your living room before making a purchase. This level of certainty can significantly enhance your shopping experience, making it easier and more enjoyable.

More fun shopping with AR

Shopping with AR is not just practical; it’s also a lot of fun. Imagine being able to try on makeup virtually. Sephora’s Virtual Artist, for example, allows you to see how different lipstick shades or eye shadows will look on your face without the mess. Or think about an AR app that brings dinosaurs to life in your room while you’re shopping for toys. These interactive and engaging experiences make shopping more entertaining and can turn a mundane task into an exciting adventure.

Goodbye, Returns!

Another fantastic benefit of AR in shopping is the potential to reduce returns. By providing a realistic preview of products, AR helps customers make more informed decisions. This means fewer surprises when your order arrives and less hassle with returns. Retailers also benefit from reduced return shipping costs and restocking efforts. It’s a win-win situation for both consumers and businesses.

Examples of cool AR campaigns

Many brands have already embraced AR to enhance their marketing efforts. Here are a couple of standout examples:
Sephora’s Virtual Artist: Sephora has been a pioneer in using AR to improve the shopping experience. Their Virtual Artist app allows users to try on thousands of makeup products virtually. Using your smartphone’s camera, you can see how different shades of lipstick, eye shadow, and other makeup products will look on your face. This tool not only makes shopping more fun but also helps you find the perfect products with confidence.
IKEA Place App: IKEA’s Place app is another excellent example of AR in action. This app lets you see how IKEA furniture will look and fit in your home. You can choose a piece of furniture, point your camera at the desired location in your room, and see a 3D representation of the item in real time. This helps you visualize how the furniture will complement your existing decor and ensures it will fit perfectly in your space.

The Future of AR in Shopping

As amazing as AR shopping experiences are today, the future holds even more exciting possibilities. One of the most anticipated advancements is the development of AR glasses. These glasses will take AR shopping to a whole new level by allowing you to experience AR without the need for a smartphone or tablet. Imagine walking into a store wearing AR glasses. As you browse the aisles, the glasses can provide additional information about products, suggest complementary items, or even show virtual models demonstrating how products are used. This seamless integration of AR into your everyday shopping routine will make the experience even more immersive and convenient.

Additionally, we can expect more sophisticated AR technologies that offer even greater realism and interactivity. As AR technology continues to evolve, it will become an even more integral part of the shopping experience, offering benefits that we can only begin to imagine today.

AR marketing is revolutionizing the way we shop, blending the digital and physical worlds to create more enjoyable and efficient experiences. Keep an eye out for AR features in your favorite stores and apps, as this technology is rapidly becoming a staple in modern retail. Whether you’re trying on makeup virtually, seeing how furniture fits in your home, or interactively exploring new products, AR is making shopping more exciting and convenient. So next time you’re shopping, take a moment to look for AR options and give them a try. You might be surprised at how much they enhance your shopping experience. Welcome to the future of shopping, it’s cool, fun, and incredibly awesome!

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Author Profile

Vanessa Makhoul
Account Manager at Better'fly Lebanon - Digital Marketing Agency