What Does The Future Hold?
In recent times, the rising adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology has molded the way that consumers interact with eCommerce brands in a great way. Undoubtedly, the worldwide adoption of immersive technology is on the rise with the UK, the US, and China leading the way. Currently, 95% of the world’s VR equipment is produced in China.
Over and above that, AR and VR offer today’s digitally-driven consumers a unique opportunity to transport themselves virtually into an immersive experience where they can get up close and personal with a brand as well as its services or products. With this brave new eCommerce trend comes a wealth of opportunity.
We have explored how VR and AR are impacting eCommerce while asking what the future holds for the relationship between these emerging technologies and this is what we came up with;
Bridging the digital and physical worlds
ECommerce brands are now able to offer a more refined customer experience than ever before. This AR- and VR merge has had a positive impact on the brand’s eCommerce sales, with a 50% boost to its in-app sales at the start of last year. With huge eCommerce players like Amazon preparing to enter the physical arena, it seems that there is great potential in bringing the physical and online shopping experience together with AR- or VR-driven capabilities.
Extreme personalization and immersive online shopping
The interactiveness of VR and AR means that online consumers can now enjoy a more personalized, and more meaningful shopping experience. While many are aware of AR- & VR-driven technologies, and despite their proven eCommerce success rate, 61% of brands are not using this technology at all. That said though, this year, and beyond, an increasing number of eCommerce brands will use these capabilities to further personalize the customer experience and set themselves apart.
AR, VR, and the future of eCommerce
Studies show that an incredible rate of AR and VR adoption is to be expected now and in the coming years;
- AR and Vr will continue to drive and shape marketing giving eCommerce brands more scope and tools to offer their audience a virtual platform with access to various products/services.
- This rise of immersive technology will allow eCommerce brands to make their brand storytelling strategies more interactive and immersive on a deep and personal level.
- As AR becomes more integrated into brands, eCommerce brands can utilize the wealth of data generated by virtual touchpoints to completely customize a user’s online shopping experience down.
Without any shadow of a doubt, AR and VR are entirely transforming the eCommerce landscape and by embracing the endless possibilities of these powerful innovations, online brands, businesses, marketers and even consumers stand to reap great rewards.
No longer is placing AR or VR at the heart of your marketing strategy a luxury, now it is essential if you want to thrive and survive in tomorrow’s world.
Fasten your seat belts!
