Reactive Reality has rolled out a new augmented reality shopping app called PICTOFiT. The tool integrates with e-commerce stores and allows consumers to create hyper-accurate avatars of themselves. Shoppers can customize their avatars to fit their body shape and measurements, enabling them to try on clothes virtually before purchasing them.
Augmented reality takes online shopping to a whole new level. Through virtual fitting solutions, shoppers can feel more confident with their shopping choices. As a result, retailers can reduce returns and persuade customers to shop with them again.
So, how can AR benefit e-commerce?
Augmented Reality Is Changing Online Shopping
Augmented reality shopping can reinvent e-commerce. Unlike virtual reality, AR augments real-world experiences with digital media. It merges virtual and real-world objects through mobile screens. Although shoppers still lack the tactile experiences they get at physical store locations, AR makes up for that through virtual try-ons. These allow customers to visualize themselves before committing to a purchase.
Through AR-powered tools, retailers can bring their products to life with detailed information. Thus, they can help consumers make well-informed and confident purchase decisions.
PICTOFiT: Augmented Reality Shopping
PICTOFiT is an AR-driven platform designed to integrate with e-commerce systems. It can capture existing products and turn them into photo-realistic 3D assets. It can transform every item digitally and reflect accurate dimensions. The PICTOFiT Content Service can turn products into AR assets in a matter of hours.
Once retailers integrate PICTOFiT into their e-commerce system, customers will be able to create their virtual avatars and customize their measurements. They can visualize how the clothes will look on them without having to step into a physical store location.
PICTOFiT can give retailers a competitive edge. Although AR in retail isn’t new, not a lot of brands have embraced it. Augmented reality shopping experiences can be an exciting way to tap into a broader range of audiences. Aside from engaging younger tech-savvy shoppers, AR can be very convenient for busy consumers, who don’t have the time to drive to the shops.
“Downloading PICTOFiT Shopping, our newly-launched mobile showcase app, is an excellent way for retailers to see how AR can significantly enhance their current offering before implementing it into their online store or app,” says Stefan Hauswiesner, CEO of Reactive Reality. “It provides them with a snapshot of how AR is bringing this hybrid shopping experience into the 21st century.”
According to Reactive Reality, AR makes it easier for brands to sell clothes. Their customer data shows that customers spend over 400% more time on augmented reality shopping. Additionally, sales revenues per user are increased by up to 5 times.
Why E-Commerce Needs Augmented Reality Shopping
One of the biggest hurdles in e-commerce is its lack of tactile experiences. Shoppers can’t see, touch, and try on the clothes they want to purchase. It can be very frustrating, especially when a consumer purchases clothes from overseas.
This is arguably why return rates are higher for e-commerce stores compared to brick-and-mortar stores.
According to Invesp, 30% of all online purchases are returned. On the other hand, only 8.89% of brick-and-mortar purchases are returned. About 30% of respondents of a UPS global study claimed faulty or damaged goods as the primary reason behind their returns. This, however, was followed closely by goods that were “not as described” at 27%.
Virtual fitting solutions can eliminate that confusion. With PICTOFiT, shoppers can be more confident with their purchases. They won’t have to purchase clothes in multiple sizes just to find the right one that fits.
Aside from sparing retailers from the logistical challenges of handling returns, PICTOFiT can help minimize retailers’ impact on the environment.
Retail returns contribute to more waste in landfills and increase the amount of packaging used for every purchase. They also increase a brand’s carbon footprint. By preventing returns and over-ordering, AR try-ons can help minimize retails’ environmental impact.
Although AR tech has yet to fully mature, it’s already proving to be a useful solution that can provide positive returns. By implementing virtual fitting solutions, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, retailers can continue to provide unique brand experiences. They can thrive despite the many challenges that retail is facing.
