Augmented reality tech has become some of the most celebrated and forward-thinking in the last decade. As a more approachable and easier-to-access system than its VR cousin, many businesses are already exploring what AR has to offer. In retail, this tech can already offer major benefits, well worth exploring for businesses looking to get ahead.
AR applications in business
AR use in business is as varied as retail businesses are, and will vary widely depending on industry, size, and even local trends. Some of the most illustrative demonstrations of AR tech can be seen in the systems which superimpose new digital furniture into real homes. This technology is already used to great effect in America by Crate & Barrel, with more than 5,000 items already scanned in their catalogue.
The same kind of system is found with New Zealand’s Habitat by Resene, an AR paint app that easily lets users see their homes in different tones. Both of these platforms let users explore what’s on offer before they leave their homes or move into a new one, guiding their purchases more confidently and reducing the risk of buyer’s remorse.
AR within physical businesses could also be used as a simple guide to showing customers where to find goods. This is similar to the arrows used in Google Maps, helping those who struggle to interpret 2D maps. The easier the customers can serve themselves, the less time they take from staff.
Product information within a store could also be used to show the setup and use of each offered object. With some customers turned off by what they might see as too complicated goods, AR video guides simplifying the process could aid in troubleshooting and again, purchasing confidence.
Preparing for a change
While the above AR applications are inevitable in business, the tools to build them aren’t quite at a level that most small and medium-sized businesses can afford. For this reason, rather than jumping out and spending on the tech now, planning for future opportunities can be a better idea. This starts with following the AR retail market, checking the progress of development tools, and measuring that against how well-suited your business setup is to AR systems.
One of the best ways of preparing for AR comes from including more empty space in key areas of your store, which allows room for AR virtual projections. Consider a direct example for a business owner in the UK. If you own a business or property in a place like Liverpool, where the average price of a home is £184,642, then you might benefit by moving your home and business to a slightly cheaper area nearby like Birkenhead. By using a modern online sales service like We Buy Any Home in Liverpool, you’ll find guaranteed sales on any properties, to capitalise on new opportunities in as little as seven days. If you’re planning on being an early AR adopter, methods like these should be watched closely.
Unlike VR, which requires headset systems, AR’s use of mobile phones means its future success is guaranteed. The only question is which companies will lead the way in its integration, and how early they’ll get on board. No matter where in the world you live, and your retail business, this is a space to watch.
