--- description: AR in retail can help SMEs increase levels of customer engagement. Discover how AR and VR technology can help improve the consumer shopping experience. image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/getapp/og_logo-94fd2a03a6c7a0e54fc0c9e21a1c0ce9.png title: VR and AR in retail: How to amplify the customer shopping experience --- # VR And AR in retail: How to amplify the customer shopping experience Canonical: https://www.getapp.com.au/blog/1738/vr-and-ar-in-retail-amplify-customer-shopping-experience Published on 15/11/2022 | Written by Anna Hammond, Andrew Blair. ![VR And AR in retail: How to amplify the customer shopping experience](https://images.ctfassets.net/63bmaubptoky/imY1yOcSauT9A9F6xj0IUrDAnNJYneCGScyCPsvyGtg/9cb2b5c294a551358c5dc542765c527a/vr-and-ar-in-retail.png) > This article was originally published on 23/09/2020 Augmented reality (AR) in the Australian market unveils opportunities for potential success in the retail sector. Innovators are leading the uptake of AR in retail, here is what you need to know to adopt AR to engage consumers.  ----- ## Article Content This article was originally published on 23/09/2020Augmented reality (AR) in the Australian market unveils opportunities for potential success in the retail sector. Innovators are leading the uptake of AR in retail, here is what you need to know to adopt AR to engage consumers. In this articleWhat is AR in retail?What is VR shopping?Using VR and AR in retail to improve customer experiencesEngaging and immersive shopping experiencesVR store accessibilityProduct information, browsing and helpGetting started with an AR development kitThe future of AR and VR in retailAccording to GetApp’s research, only 14% of Australian consumers have used AR to shop online or in-store. Similarly, only 12% have shopped in a virtual reality environment. Yet, the same survey predicts that AR and VR are trends to grow and strengthen. On average, 49% of respondents said they were interested in shopping with AR, and 47% said the same about VR.Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies blur the line between physical and virtual worlds. This article highlights how VR and AR in retail revolutionise the consumer shopping experience.What is AR in retail? The “real world” component differentiates AR from virtual reality (VR). The AR experience is not a simulation of actual surroundings but overlays the digitally designed content in the consumer’s environment. The features comprise transparent optics and the actual surroundings of the user. A web AR shop helps consumers engage with products and brands digitally and delivers more product information than standard online shopping experiences.What is AR?According to Gartner, AR technology represents the real-time use of data and information, including graphics, text, audio and various virtual enhancements overlapping real-world objects.In an AR shop, consumers can virtually try various products and styles before buying. Retailers are slowly implementing AR technology to gain traction and engage shoppers. For example, leading beauty companies such as Onda, MAC, and Deciem, use AR-powered apps to allow users to try and test different lipstick shades and makeup styles.What is VR shopping?In VR shopping, the user will use a head-mounted display and handheld devices to participate in the VR activity. A rendered, digital surrounding replaces the consumer’s actual surroundings. The environment surrounds the user and responds to the user’s actions. Touch-sensitive feedback is also available. Plus, more than one user can take part at once—VR and AR in retail use 3D assets and digital models of the brands’ physical products. Users can interact with 3D assets during VR/AR experiences.What is VR?According to Gartner, virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that offers a computer-generated 3D digital environment, including 360-degree video and graphics.Using VR and AR in retail to improve customer experiencesAR and VR solutions can help retailers:Improve their customer engagement levelsCreate personalised shopping experiencesImprove customer return rate and satisfactionSalesForce research reveals that 75% of consumers expect new tech to improve their shopping experiences. The same study shows that 84% of consumers consider the experience as necessary as the product. Statista indicates that the video games sector will be the largest segment within the AR and VR industry in 2020—exceeding $11.5 billion by 2025. Yet, the implementation of AR and VR, i.e. retail, is growing, and it’s expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2025. Here’s how VR and AR can help you deliver a seamless shopping experience.Engaging and immersive shopping experiencesAR and VR address the prime directives in retail:Driving customer engagement and immersion into the brand’s value propositionExpanding customer experiences and making them more interactiveStreamlining the consumer’s buying journey through the shop by providing navigational helpVR store accessibilityOnboarding is simple and efficient when retailers use easy-to-follow UX designs. Customers can learn how to use the different features available in AR and VR that retailers put in place.Product information, browsing and helpAR provides comprehensive product information such as ingredients, specifications, features, and benefits. AR streamlines the delivery of product information. It also helps customers compare and select different product categories. The number of details at the client’s disposal influences their decision-making process.AR extensions can help customers search for products. The technology allows users to discover products in the virtual shop from home, and as if in-store, they can view products in augmented reality before buying.People want to ensure they buy products with the correct specifications and configurations. Augmented reality can help customers buy the right product from home. In turn, this reduces the potential for returns.Getting started with an AR development kitAn augmented reality development kit includes special hardware, AR software, VR software and networking solutions. Hardware components for AR include sensors, displays, processors and input devices. Smartphones have most of the hardware needed, such asA cameraMicro-electromechanical (MEMS) sensorsStrong compassesUnits for AR rendering include:MonitorsOptical projection systemsDisplay systemsHandheld devicesAR displays are available on special eyeglasses, head-up displays (HUDs) and contact lenses.Mobile AR apps are gaining traction thanks to the adoption of wearables and mobile units. According to Statista, smart augmented reality glasses global shipments increased from 410,000 in 2021 to 960,000 in 2022.The future of AR and VR in retailBrands worldwide are steadily adopting VR and AR in retail. Major retailers enjoy the benefits of AR software and VR software solutions, such as increased customer engagement, sales and ROI rates. Consumers are responding to augmented reality, which encourages a seamless, interactive shopping experience.Looking for augmented reality software? Check out our catalogue. ## About the authors ### Anna Hammond Anna was a content analyst for GetApp. ### Andrew Blair Andrew is a Content Analyst for GetApp, giving SMEs insights into tech, software and business trends. 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