The Power of Location-Based AR & Transforming Retail Experiences
In the first Darabase Meets, Amanda Cordisco, Partnerships Manager from 8th Wall, we delved into the transformative potential of augmented reality (AR) in reshaping retail experiences. Amanda, who manages the AR Partner program at 8th Wall, provided valuable insights into how AR technology is revolutionising the way brands engage with consumers, helps convert customers and highlighted benefits to the retail sector.
One of the key themes Amanda discussed was the impact of AR on conversion rates. She emphasised that the key metric associated with AR experiences is interaction, which ultimately increases engagement engagements. “When users are incentivised to engage, it leads to more memorable and impactful experiences, ultimately driving sales,” Amanda noted. This highlights the importance of creating immersive and interactive AR experiences that encourage consumer participation and drive conversions – something that is critical for all marketers.
Amanda also highlighted the potential of AR to bridge the gap between online and offline retail experiences. With the rise of e-commerce, brands are increasingly looking for ways to enhance the in-store shopping experience and drive foot traffic to physical retail locations. Amanda pointed out that AR can play a crucial role in this regard by allowing consumers to visualise products in their real-world environment before making a purchase. “AR can be used to gamify the shopping experience, providing incentives for customers to visit physical stores. It’s about creating a holistic shopping experience that caters to both online and offline channels.” she explained. By integrating AR technology into both online and offline channels, brands can create a seamless shopping experience that caters to the preferences and needs of modern consumers.
Furthermore, Amanda discussed the significance of using location-based AR to create unique and immersive retail experiences. By using landmarks, statues, and other physical elements as the basis for AR experiences, brands can blend the digital and physical worlds to create compelling narratives. “What’s amazing about location-based AR is the improved tracking via Visual Positioning Systems (VPS), making AR experiences very immersive. It seamlessly blends the digital and physical worlds, which is what we aim for,” Amanda stated. This highlights the potential of location-based AR to not only enhance the shopping experience but also drive consumer engagement and brand loyalty.
Amanda’s insights shed light on the transformative power of AR in revolutionising retail experiences. By focusing on creating immersive and interactive AR experiences, bridging the gap between online and offline retail channels, and using location-based AR to create unique narratives, brands can effectively engage with consumers and drive conversions. As AR technology continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how brands use its potential to create truly immersive and memorable retail experiences.
“My advice would be to focus on delivering value to your audience. AR is a powerful tool, but it’s only effective if it enhances the user experience and provides real value. Don’t just use AR for the sake of it; think about how it can help you achieve your marketing objectives and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.”
