XR, or “Extended reality”, includes augmented reality (AR), virtual reality(VR), and other immersive technologies such as Mixed Reality (MR). Thanks to extended reality, people can even test something out before buying it by using 3D illustrations, simulated tests, and demonstrations.
These latest technologies have been around for a long time while being used in various fields. eCommerce is one industry where XR has made a clear impact and is changing how companies work and market their brands.
During the epidemic, augmented reality (AR) and e-commerce website development services brought the customer closer to an in-person experience. People typically want to try a product out before buying it, and this technology makes that possible.
The annual cost of product returns for a brand can be estimated at up to $550 billion. People usually purchase a product based on a photo, only to discover it is not what they had expected when they receive it. AR is the best way to get rid of this loop and improve the customer experience.
Best Use Cases of XR in E-Commerce
Nowadays, all and every type of industry and niche can make full use of emerging innovative technologies. Augmented reality (AR) has produced some of the most enormous profits for well-known retailers worldwide.
Having your customers try before buying the product can make a huge difference in the customer experience. Acumatica Shopify integration could enable customers to share their profile data with the e-Commerce store for live try-on. Many retail brands and industries have also incorporated XR to boost their market sales.
Some classic examples, to name a few, around the various e-commerce platforms would be:
IKEA
IKEA had decided to develop an AR application, gaining an advantage in the furniture industry. Customers can view how various furniture pieces fit in their rooms before purchasing. People who have purchased a new house and are busy furnishing it often have difficulty picturing their furniture in empty spaces. AR enables them to see how their furniture would fit in and how it would seem rather than imagining it.
Macy’s
The famous retail giant Macy’s used the “try before you buy” AR product visualization in its marketing strategies. About 69 US stores of Macy’s now provide in-store VR and AR furniture shopping experiences. According to Macy’s, 60% more customers placed orders after using AR features than those who did not. This reduced the return rate for purchases by 2%, helping the company big time.
Saatchi Art
Now, Saatchi can be an interesting one to include in the list. Saatchi Art, an online art gallery, recently announced the opening of its “View in a Room” augmented reality (AR) function for its clients using a mobile app. This new function enables users to view their art pieces in their houses before making an online purchase. Users may quickly “test” artworks in their homes to ensure they’re right before buying.
Hisense Home
By assessing the available space, the Hisense Home AR app suggests the best product to consumers, such as TVs, stereo systems, refrigerators, washing machines and more. The available products are displayed in their true size, colour, and material. One prominent feature of the app is the ability to take photos of the AR products the client has placed in their home and post them on social media.
Challenges For XR & E-Commerce in 2022!
With the rapid trends going around various industries, it is a given that both XR and e-commerce website development services are to face some challenges along the way. Both industries align at a point but also leave out some open ends for rising issues as they function. Some of the problems that can hinder the marketing and sales in e-commerce via XR are:
Consumer Delivery Demands
As the preference for online purchases has increased, several factors, including consumer delivery demands, pose an issue for retailers. The high consumer demands and trends must be foreseen for the business to fulfill the delivery demands. Also, the supply chains have limited capabilities, further limiting the delivery demands.
Increasing Competition
AR is a booming trend in today’s era; many businesses in each industry have been trying to use these features for a better customer experience and to increase their sales. This may also turn out to be a challenge for upcoming e-commerce businesses and the existing ones since the competition gets more challenging for them.
Lack Of Necessary Infrastructure
While XR and AR are fantastic options, this can be a high leap for small businesses and companies. BigCommerce development company could lack the infrastructure to develop such applications. Hence, not every other business can afford or incorporate such advances in its marketing strategies.