Brands should embrace them or risk falling behind.
They may not be ubiquitous quite yet, but augmented reality and virtual reality are beginning to reshape modern shopping, providing consumers immersive experiences and enabling them to envision everything from a kitchen renovation to how different cosmetics could enhance one’s appearance.
The Boston Consulting Group estimates that 80 million Americans engage with AR at least monthly and projects more than 120 million regular users in the U. S. by 2020. Social media giants like Snapchat and Facebook have announced the launch of AR ad technologies for marketers while Amazon and Google are integrating AR solutions onto their platforms as well.
With millions of consumers leveraging the benefits of AR and VR to test out gifts before purchase this holiday season, the next stage of ecommerce’s growth is already here. Brands looking to capitalize on the unprecedented opportunities being made available through these new technologies should ramp up their AR/VR strategies. New digital frontiers
AR and VR are ideal for advertisers who want to transcend the run-of-the-mill ad and take on new dimensions that expand far beyond the four small corners of the digital screen. With industry experts citing interactivity as a crucial element for consumer satisfaction, it’s all about providing positive immersive experiences.
Take, for example, a trip to your local mall during the holiday season. In the real world, holiday shopping translates to overwhelming throngs of shoppers, unkempt store displays and frenzied sales assistants. By contrast, through AR and VR brands can create a virtual shopping experience that is calm, orderly and even enjoyable.
