Innovate to Captivate: AR Magic in Retail
In the ever-changing world of retail, a wave of transformation is shaking things up, redefining how customers connect with their favourite brands. Augmented Reality (AR), once considered a novelty, has quickly become a go-to tool for retailers around the globe. This revolutionary technology isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a game-changer, offering a shopping experience like never before—one that truly captivates and engages customers.
Recent research by Shopify has unveiled astonishing insights – AR can slash returns by up to 40%, providing online shoppers the chance to virtually test multiple products before hitting the buy button. The impact is undeniable, with a whopping 65% increase in the likelihood of customers placing an order after immersing themselves in a product through AR. The same can be applied to brick and mortar – AR allows shoppers to skip the change room queues and make purchasing decisions more efficiently (which we’re sure will delight husbands and boyfriends around the globe.)
From fashion giants like Zara to innovative powerhouse Nike, retailers are weaving AR seamlessly into the fabric of their stores, creating interactive and unforgettable experiences for their customers. It’s a rapidly evolving landscape, where augmented reality is not just a buzzword but a transformative force embraced by those at the forefront of retail innovation.
This month, Australian Fashion trailblazer Oroton made headlines by becoming the first in the country to launch AR storefront window displays. Powered by Zero10 AR Storefronts, this groundbreaking initiative allows customers to try on different handbags from Oroton’s latest collection with the help of AR mirrors.
Talking to online publication Ragtrader, Jenny Child, CEO of Oroton, highlighted the significance of this venture, stating, “Through our research, we have seen international brands adopt AR to inspire customers to visit their stores in fun and interactive ways. We are proud to be the first Australian retailer to bring this type of externally facing AR mirrors to our market.” Capturing and delighting their customers before they even stepfoot in the store? Genius.
One of Unita’s recent triumphs was the delivery of the fitout for the Nike Dream Arena pop-up in Sydney. The project showcased Unita’s prowess in seamlessly integrating AR services to enhance the overall shopping experience. Shoppers at the Dream Arena had the opportunity to virtually try on different soccer kits and immerse themselves in the latest Nike innovations.
As we conclude, it’s evident that augmented reality is swiftly becoming a non-negotiable element in the ever-evolving landscape of in-store design. If you’re gearing up to make a resounding impact on the retail scene, look no further. With Unita’s strategy-led expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of retail innovation, we are not just ready; we’re ready to lead the charge in shaping the future of customer engagement through the transformative power of augmented reality. The era of AR in retail isn’t just approaching; it’s here, and with Unita, you’re not just embracing the future — you’re redefining what’s possible.