Augmented Reality (AR) will help to create exciting new ways of shopping, as immersive eCommerce technologies become increasingly relied upon by retailers looking to win the trust of consumers in the post-COVID economy. This is according to global eCommerce platform,
Kooomo, which explains how AR is now a vital component of the digitally-driven retail experience.
AR uses real-world environments and physical objects to trigger computer-generated enhancements over the top of reality in real-time. Research from Gartner suggests that “by 2021, at least one-third of enterprises will have deployed a multi-experience development platform to support mobile, web, conversational and
AR development”.
With coronavirus restrictions continuing to force customers away from the high street and onto personal devices, AR is allowing retailers to digitally recreate the traditional shopping experience so they can engage with customers as if they were present in the store.
Ciaran Bollard, CEO of Kooomo explains: “It’s no surprise that Gartner has included AR as one of the top ten strategic technologies expected to ‘drive significant disruption and opportunity over the next five to 10 years’. This is especially pertinent with the ongoing coronavirus restrictions, as retailers need to try new methods to entice and interact with customers who are unable to visit physical stores in their local area.”
Many sub-sectors already taking advantage of AR include fashion and homeware (with virtual changing rooms for clothing brands), try-on apps for cosmetics, and 3D placement for white goods, furniture and interior design. Retailers that successfully integrate AR into a seamless omnichannel Customer Experience (CX) by helping shoppers to visualise how a product would look or fit before purchase will have a significant competitive edge in today’s fast-paced, digitally driven eCommerce landscape.
Ciaran continues: “AR is the virtual equivalent of ‘try before you buy’ and by letting consumers effectively test products online before committing to purchase, this will redefine the customer journey in 2021 and beyond. What was considered a ‘nice to have’ feature in an omnichannel strategy is now a ‘must-have’ in the wake of the pandemic and will be crucial for retailers looking to expand their customer base and maximise sales.”
Ciaran concludes: “Immersive technologies are proving to be extremely valuable in helping retailers overcome the challenges of coronavirus by building greater brand loyalty with isolated and disengaged customers - we even decided to employ technology that allows us to develop virtual showrooms on our platform earlier this year. Therefore we expect to see many more brands prioritising investment in AR and associated integrations as part of their eCommerce strategy over the next few years.”
ENDSAbout Kooomo:Kooomo is Europe’s leading eCommerce platform delivering increased sales and efficiencies with one solution for all sales channels. Kooomo is disrupting the marketplace with its affordable setup, agility and speed to market. Recognised by Gartner in the Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce; Kooomo connects your products with your customers online, in-store and through marketplaces. The full stack of technology needed to deliver a 360-degree digital commerce solution which is integrated with an eco-system of over 200 partners to future proof your business.
Kooomo is trusted by international brands through to SMEs such as Morrisons, Umbro, SMEG, Heinz, Blauer USA, MotoGP, Avoca amongst many others. Kooomo understands the unique challenges of selling internationally by supporting multiple languages, currencies & VAT rates so there is no need to adopt multiple storefronts. For further information, visit:
www.kooomo.com
