Retail

scandit-launches-ar-powered-smart-data-capture-for-assisted-search

Scandit Launches AR-Powered Smart Data Capture for Assisted Search

Application, augmented reality, featured, frontliners, logistics, Retail / /

Swiss tech company Scandit recently announced its newest addition to its smart data capture product line – the MatrixScan Find. Using AR overlays, MatrixScan Find enables users to efficiently search for products or packages they need among multiple items. This new feature is the latest solution in Scandit’s MatrixScan line which also includes MatrixScan Count and MatrixScan Augmented Reality.

Available on iOS and select Android devices, the Find feature is designed to scan multiple items simultaneously and identify the target item for faster selection. Smart data capture can help improve the accuracy and efficiency of businesses, particularly those that handle multiple products and packages, such as retail, and transport and logistics (T&L).

It also has the potential to significantly increase productivity while reducing errors. It ensures that the right packages are sent to the right locations, allowing frontline workers to spend less time searching for the correct items in warehouses.

Transforming Industries With Smart Data Capture

According to Scandit co-founder and CTO Christian Floerkemeier, AR can provide both businesses and consumers with innovation that enhances the user experience. Scandit’s smart data capture technology aims to revolutionize the workflow and reduce human error.

They believe that manual processes stifle productivity and waste valuable time. Through smart data capture, businesses can be more flexible and adaptable, get actionable insights in real time, and be more cost-efficient.

MatrixScan Find AR-powered

“Scandit has a deep understanding of the business processes, user experience, and computer vision technology necessary to successfully implement augmented reality into enterprise applications,” said Floerkemeier in a press release shared with ARPost. “With MatrixScan Find we are introducing another out-of-the-box offering to help companies without the necessary technology expertise in-house provide exceptional offerings to support workers and delight customers.”

Smart Data Capture Leads to Improved Workflows

One of the goals of MatrixScan Find is to transform the retail and T&L industries. It aims to make them more efficient and productive by reducing avoidable human errors. Smart data capture, which uses precise data to select the correct item every time, helps minimize mistakes. Simultaneous scanning also cuts down on the time it takes to look for these items.

Frontline workers can appreciate the ease with which they can find customers’ packages, particularly in large staging areas that store identical-looking boxes. In turn, customers will experience shorter wait times and have greater confidence that they are receiving the correct package. This can lead to high customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.

MatrixScan Find - Scandit AR-Powered Smart Data Capture Assisted Search

In retail, the AR smart data capture feature enables employees to quickly search for products that customers request. Using MatrixScan barcode scanning technology, MatrixScan Find can differentiate the same product in a different color or style. This helps employees fulfill customer orders faster, driving work productivity. Moreover, MatrixScan Find ensures that workers do not overlook available products, making inventory management more efficient.

Retail stores, like groceries, can also provide unique and innovative product search experiences for their customers. Companies can also integrate the feature into their own apps, and customers can use their smartphones or other devices to discover more about the products through an engaging and intuitive AR interface.

Customizable Interfaces for Different Needs

Part of the Scandit Smart Data Capture platform, MatrixScan Find has a built-in UI that supports different types of workforces. Customization options, such as color overlays, pause functionality, item carousel, and notification alerts, are available. Users can also integrate this feature into Scandit’s barcode scanner product, SparkScan, for a complete scanning solution.

Smart data capture technology is set to transform the way industries operate. With the introduction of AR-powered features like MatrixScan Find, businesses can streamline their workflows and reduce human error, paving the way for greater efficiency and productivity.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting innovations emerge, transforming the workplace and customer experience as we know it.

Scandit Launches AR-Powered Smart Data Capture for Assisted Search Read More »

how-retailers-are-using-augmented-reality-to-enhance-in-store-shopping

How Retailers are Using Augmented Reality to Enhance In-Store Shopping

augmented reality, featured, Guest Post, Retail, Retail & E-Commerce, shopping / /

The retail sector is changing because of augmented reality technology, which is giving businesses new and interesting ways to interact with customers and enhance their shopping experiences. AR is a perfect fit for the retail sector, giving businesses new opportunities to communicate with customers, promote their goods, and increase sales.

AR in Retail: A Match Made in Heaven

Customers may virtually try on things, allowing them to see how a product appears or fits without having to try it on physically, which is one of the main advantages of AR in retail.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, more customers are looking for ways to try on things without having to physically engage with them, making this issue more crucial than ever. Retailers may improve their conversion rates and lower the percentage of returns by offering customers virtual try-on experiences.

Virtual Try-Ons and Interactive Product Displays

Virtual try-on and interactive product displays are two of the major ways that businesses are leveraging AR technology to improve the in-store shopping experience.

Using AR technology, shops can develop virtual try-on experiences that allow customers to see how an item of clothing or accessory would fit on their body without having to try it on physically.

the author trying augmented reality glasses
Example product display. The author trying glasses using Geenee AR Glasses Try-On

Virtual try-on is very handy for things like glasses, makeup, and apparel. Retailers may boost the likelihood of a sale and lower the percentage of returns by allowing shoppers to see how these things would look on them.

Retailers are also embracing AR technology to improve the in-store shopping experience through interactive product displays. They can take numerous forms, such as augmented reality mirrors that allow consumers to experiment visually on makeup or interactive product displays that allow buyers to see the features and benefits of a product in real time.

Retailers may boost customer engagement and create a more memorable shopping experience by developing such kinds of interactive activities. This can result in improved consumer loyalty and sales.

While virtual try-ons and interactive product displays hold enormous promise for merchants, there are still obstacles to overcome. For example, implementing the technology can be costly, and creating experiences that function seamlessly across multiple devices can be tricky.

Personalized Shopping Experience

AR technology is also being used to deliver a more personalized shopping experience for customers. Retailers, for example, might construct AR-powered shopping assistants who guide clients through the store, making tailored recommendations and presenting information about things they might be interested in.

7-eleven deadpool augmented reality
In 2018, 7-Eleven launched its first-ever augmented reality in-store experience bringing Deadpool into the store.

AR technology can also be utilized to build customized product displays that showcase products based on the customer’s specific interests. Retailers can develop displays that highlight products that the buyer is likely to be interested in using customer data and AI algorithms, improving the possibility of a sale.

The fundamental problem of using AR technology to improve product discovery and personalization is the necessity for reliable and complete data. Retailers must have access to customer data and be able to analyze it efficiently in order to deliver customized suggestions and product displays to customers.

Future of Augmented Reality in Retail

The future of augmented reality in retail is bright, with enormous potential to revolutionize the way we purchase. We should expect to see more innovative applications of AR in retail as technology advances, providing customers with tailored and engaging experiences.

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning is one of the most significant areas of research in AR for retail. AI can improve the accuracy and speed at which AR-powered product suggestions and customization are made. Retailers can use artificial intelligence-powered augmented reality to deliver personalized suggestions based on a customer’s purchase history, browsing habits, and preferences.

The launch of web-based AR is another fascinating trend in retail AR. WebAR eliminates the requirement for clients to download an app, making it more accessible and convenient. WebAR may be quickly implemented into a retailer’s website, offering customers an immersive and engaging buying experience.

Geenee augmented reality virtual try-on Zara
Virtual try-on demo skirt project

WebAR for In-Home Retail

A web-based placement of AR technology overcomes these obstacles and has the potential to transform the retail business. That allows you to try on clothes without even going to the retail itself.

Accessibility is one of the most difficult challenges associated with traditional AR adoption. Customers must download a specialized app to access AR content in traditional AR applications. This approach can be time-consuming and inconvenient, resulting in poor adoption rates.

WebAR solves this issue by removing the necessity for clients to download an app. Instead, users may access WebAR directly from a retailer’s website, making it more accessible and convenient. This method not only saves time but also raises the possibility of adoption by making AR technology more accessible to a larger audience.

An additional significant barrier to the widespread adoption of traditional augmented reality in retail is the high development costs associated with developing AR applications for different app platforms. The development of specialized multiple AR apps takes a significant amount of time and money, making it prohibitively expensive for many merchants.

WebAR overcomes this issue by leveraging current web technologies and frameworks that produce AR experiences, such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. This method lowers the development expenses associated with standard AR implementation, allowing merchants to build engaging and immersive experiences at a fraction of the cost.

Due to the specific hardware and software needed for traditional AR implementation, many devices cannot use it. Because of this incompatibility, the potential audience for AR experiences is reduced, and the impact of AR in retail is limited.

WebAR resolves this issue by taking advantage of modern web browsers, allowing it to be compatible with a wide range of devices such as smartphones, tablets, and desktop PCs. This method enables merchants to build AR experiences that are more accessible to a wider audience, which improves the effect of AR in retail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, augmented reality technology has the potential to transform the retail sector completely. We can anticipate a substantial change in the way we buy as shops continue to experiment with new AR applications. This change will make shopping more immersive, interactive, and personalized.

Guest Post

About the Guest Author(s)

Vladislav Bondarenko

Vladislav Bondarenko

Vladislav has been working for more than 3 years in the AR industry. He is currently on the founding team of AR startup Geenee. He specializes in 3D engineering, computer vision, and physics programming.

How Retailers are Using Augmented Reality to Enhance In-Store Shopping Read More »

hexa-and-amazon-redefine-immersive-retail-experiences-by-empowering-merchants

Hexa and Amazon Redefine Immersive Retail Experiences by Empowering Merchants

Amazon, AR shopping, augmented reality, e-commerce, featured, News, Retail, Retail & E-Commerce / /

Step into the captivating realm of immersive retail, where customers are transported to a world beyond the traditional confines of e-commerce.

Virtual try-ons and mesmerizing augmented reality simulations have long held the attention of shoppers, but the path to these enchanting encounters was often reserved for big brands with substantial resources.

Today, a transformative alliance between 3D visualization platform Hexa and e-commerce powerhouse Amazon is breaking down the barriers of immersive retail. This dynamic collaboration is poised to redefine how merchants engage with their customers, unveiling a future where extraordinary shopping experiences are within reach of all.

Hexa: Shaping the Future of 3D Commerce and Immersive Retail

At the heart of this collaboration lies Hexa, a 3D visualization platform that uses artificial intelligence to create digital twins.

Since 2018, Hexa has been leveraging the potential of AI to breathe life into static 2D images and transform them into mesmerizing 3D renderings. They have been enabling brands to display 3D products, launch AR experiences, set up virtual try-ons, and create immersive marketing campaigns.

With Hexa, brands no longer need to rely on expensive investments in software and equipment to provide immersive retail experiences. They can harness the power of AI through Hexa’s cutting-edge technology to captivate their customers.

By seamlessly bridging the gap between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional domains, Hexa empowers brands to create hyper-realistic digital twins of their products. The sheer realism of Hexa’s CGI technology leaves consumers unable to discern the difference.

Hexa’s commitment to merging the realms of 2D and 3D not only expands possibilities for brands but also redefines the very nature of immersive retail experiences. It is through this collaboration that Hexa and its partners reimagine the boundaries of what is possible, driving the industry forward and transforming the way we perceive and engage with products in the digital space.

The Hexa and Amazon Collaboration: Empowering Merchants in The Era of Immersive Retail

Recognizing the untapped potential of immersive retail experiences in online marketplaces, Hexa has partnered with Amazon to empower merchants like never before. Through this collaboration, selling partners gain access to Hexa’s proprietary immersive OS, enabling them to create and display hyper-realistic 3D images, immersive 360-degree views, virtual try-on capabilities, and AR content directly on their Amazon product pages.

“Working with Amazon has opened up a whole new distribution channel for our partners,” said Gavin Goodvach, Hexa’s Vice President of Partnerships, in a press release shared with ARPost. “Brands now have the ability to distribute 3D experiences and deliver high quantity immersive shopping to Amazon’s global network of customers using Hexa’s proprietary content delivery network.”

Even without prior experience with AR or 3D tech, Amazon sellers can render high-quality images and videos for their product pages. They simply need to upload their products’ Amazon Standard Identification Numbers (ASIN) into the CMS of Hexa.

The system automatically converts the images into high-fidelity 3D models with AR compatibility. They can then use the 3D models for e-commerce and metaverse applications. This remarkable integration of technology bridges the gap between the tangible and the virtual, offering a transformative user experience that drives conversion rates to new heights.

“In addition to 3D reconstruction, further enhancements to Hexa’s 3D tech stack also allow Amazon selling partners to render high-definition marketing materials, including packshots and lifestyle images directly from their 3D digital twins,” said Hexa’s CTO, Jonathan Clark. “They’ll be able to do so by leveraging AWS Thinkbox render infrastructure and advanced capabilities.”

Unveiling the Incredible Potential of Immersive Retail

This collaboration between Hexa and Amazon marks a significant milestone in the evolution of immersive retail. By providing Amazon selling partners with the tools to seamlessly transition from 2D to 3D, the partnership unlocks endless ways brands can engage their customers.

Hexa and Amazon immersive retail AR, try-on, 3D

No longer constrained by financial limitations, merchants of all sizes can now provide unforgettable shopping experiences that rival those of industry giants.

Looking ahead, the future of immersive retail holds incredible potential. As technology continues to advance, we can anticipate even more seamless integrations, heightened realism, and enhanced customer interactions.

Hexa and Amazon have set a precedent for innovation and accessibility in the industry, inspiring other platforms and retailers to follow suit and embrace the transformative power of immersive shopping experiences.

Hexa and Amazon Redefine Immersive Retail Experiences by Empowering Merchants Read More »

zero10-to-debut-its-first-ar-store-at-viva-technology-in-paris

ZERO10 to Debut Its First AR Store at Viva Technology in Paris

augmented reality, Beauty & Fashion, fashion, featured, Retail, Retail & E-Commerce, shopping, try-on / /

After the successful showing of its AR try-on technology at the Metaverse Fashion Week, AR fashion company ZERO10 is launching its first prototype AR Store that aims to bring a whole new experience to shopping.

Following previous successful collaborations with fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Coach – which saw the launch of the brand’s AR Mirror and Storefront, respectively – ZERO10 is now debuting the AR Mirror as a standalone store.

AR Storefront ZERO10

“We believe that 50% of physical retail will incorporate AR solutions or will become AR stores itself in the next 10 years,” said CEO of ZERO10 George Yashin. “Customers want to try new types of shopping and augmented reality will elevate the future in-store experience. We see the technology as a powerful tool for retail and we are still at the beginning.”

The prototype AR Store aims to be an immersive solution for retail stores while also addressing the common issues that come with brick-and-mortar establishments. This iteration of the AR Mirror is particularly notable for its ability to deliver a standalone retail experience, in contrast to simply enhancing the experience of shopping in a traditional store.

AR Store for a Full AR Shopping Experience 

ZERO10 has been steadily growing with its AR-to-physical capabilities, befitting a fashion company that seeks to improve everything about the retail experience. Already a thriving hub for forward-thinking fashion designers, the AR Store represents the exciting possibilities of a full augmented reality shopping experience.

With a simple setup (requiring only the AR Mirror, an iPad stand, a statistics screen, and storage space), the prototype AR Store promises to deliver a seamless shopping experience without the need for large floor space. With its minimal requirements for both space and construction, the AR Store will be able to deliver all the functions and operations seen in a traditional store with an average of 100 sq meters, all with just two square meters of total store space.

AR Mirror ZERO10

All of this is possible thanks to ZERO10’s proprietary AR Mirror solution, which can run complex computer vision models and render clothing in 4K resolution. It does all of this in real-time, powered by a supercomputer that boasts the latest in 3D body tracking and multi-class segmentation capabilities.

The Future Of Brick-And-Mortar Stores?

Traditional storefronts may no longer be enough by themselves to entice consumers to shop at their establishments. Many retailers have started embracing the capabilities of augmented reality and other similar technologies to enrich the customer experience and help them stand out compared to their peers.

This phenomenon (tentatively called v-commerce) not only enriches the usual in-store experience but solves many of the issues that brick-and-mortar establishments face. Storage space, floor traffic, and even employee tasks become far easier to manage with the help of AR technology.

While it’s difficult to say that AR solutions like AR Mirrors and ZERO10’s AR Store will render brick-and-mortar establishments obsolete, it’s fair to say that they’re a development in the retail shopping experience that can’t be ignored.

Forward-Facing Fashion at Viva Technology Europe

ZERO10’s AR Store prototype will be interactable for the first time at Viva Technology, Europe’s biggest startup and tech event, taking place June 14- 17, in Paris, France. The prototype will be located in Innovation Park, ALLÉE NORD, Digital Experiences and AI, stand J61-007.

Visitors at Viva Technology will be able to experience the entire customer journey of the AR Store, starting with trying on the digital merch ZERO10 created together with Viva Technology, also available physically with limited stock.

Following the virtual try-on with the AR Mirror, customers will be able to initiate the imitation of a real purchase, where they will be able to select their sizing and receive a free physical analog of their selected item at the reception desk.

With this, ZERO10 hopes to make more people see the possibilities of AR retail experiences and use AR technology to enrich the normal fashion shopping experience.

ZERO10 to Debut Its First AR Store at Viva Technology in Paris Read More »

geenee-ar-launches-advanced-virtual-try-on-solutions-for-e-commerce-and-retail

Geenee AR Launches Advanced Virtual Try-On Solutions for E-Commerce and Retail

augmented reality, e-commerce, featured, Retail, Retail & E-Commerce, try-on, webAR / /

In the online shopping era, the one thing missing from a perfect shopping experience was a realistic way of trying on products remotely. Thanks to augmented reality and virtual try-on solutions (VTO), this is no longer an issue.

Various AR and WebAR development companies allow retailers and e-commerce brands to offer their customers a highly realistic way of trying various products. From clothes and shoes to makeup and home goods, consumers are able to make an informed shopping decision after using these solutions.

Geenee AR, a WebAR technology company, has recently announced a comprehensive suite of immersive digital shopping solutions for e-commerce brands, including ads, online stores, and onsite mirrors.

Virtual Try-On Solutions Improve the Shopping Experience and Increase Sales

One of the biggest problems for online retailers is the large quantity of returned products. When it comes to clothes, footwear, eyewear, and accessories, many consumers find that they don’t make a good fit for their body type. Or, once they try on the product, they don’t get the look they envisioned when they saw the product in the online store, presented by a model.

With virtual try-on solutions, consumers are able to have a more realistic idea of how they’d look wearing each product. This reduces the number of product returns and increases customer loyalty.

However, until recently, most, though not all, AR try-on solutions were usually focused on a specific type of product: be it makeup, eyewear, hairstyle, clothing, or jewelry.

Geenee’s Virtual Try-On Solutions 

With the new suite of virtual try-on solutions, retailers and e-commerce brands can offer their customers a complete experience. Geenee’s virtual try-on solutions include full-body virtual try-on for products like T-shirts, dresses, skirts, pants, jackets, and sweaters, as well as try-on for beauty products and accessories such as handbags, jewelry, glasses, and hats, and other headworn accessories.

full body virtual try-on Geenee AR

Moreover, the company’s virtual try-on solutions are size-inclusive and support a wide range of body types. This is extremely important for customers who want to look not just for the right size, but for garments that compliment their body and make them feel more confident.

“Augmented reality helps consumers make informed and confident purchasing decisions faster than ever before,” said Heather Lipner, Geenee AR’s Head of Product Design and Creative, in a press release shared with ARPost. “Will it fit? Will it look good? To see how something looks on your own face or body will trigger the confidence to purchase – the key driver for e-commerce success.” 

In addition to virtual try-on, the company also offers true-size AR for home goods like furniture and appliances.

Key Features of Geenee’s Virtual Try-On Solutions

Geenee offers a complete suite of solutions for online and offline retail stores. The main features of the virtual try-on solutions include:

  • E-commerce point of sale – web-based full body and face tracking, allowing customers to try all types of products, from head to feet;
  • Onsite mirrors – AR mirrors which allow customers to try on products in store without going to a changing booth;
  • Embedded ads – thanks to the company’s partnership with AudienceX, brands can offer virtual try-on experiences within their online ads across various websites and social media platforms.

Brands Report Positive Results After Implementing the VTO Solutions

So far, several fashion, beauty, and home goods brands have used Geenee’s virtual try-on solutions, and some of the results they shared with the company include:

  • For eyewear: 81% increase in add-to-cart;
  • For fashion products: 24% decrease in returned products;
  • For accessories: a 25% increase in conversion rates;
  • For home goods: a 67% increase in conversions and a 38% decrease in product returns.

virtual try-on accessories Geenee AR

These results confirm the vision of the CTO of Geenee, Evgeny Peshkov.

“Virtual try-on brings e-commerce to the next level. Being able to see how something actually fits rather than guessing based on 2D photos simplifies the customer’s decision,” Peshkov said.  “The number of advanced techniques built and fine-tuned specifically for this task allow for a high level of realism and fidelity. Geenee’s web-first VTO solution is ready out-of-the-box and can be easily integrated with any e-commerce platform.”

Experience Virtual Try-On by Geenee

Geeenee AR offers both brands and consumers the chance to test their latest VTO solutions. Anyone can test a demo version on a desktop or mobile here.

Geenee AR Launches Advanced Virtual Try-On Solutions for E-Commerce and Retail Read More »

how-large-retail-brands-are-using-augmented-reality

How Large Retail Brands Are Using Augmented Reality

augmented reality, e-commerce, featured, Guest Post, Retail / /

Over 83 million people in the US alone used augmented reality on a monthly basis in 2020. By the end of 2023, it is projected that the number will grow by over 30%, to over 110 million people.

With the pandemic having accelerated the evolution of digital shopping, retail and e-commerce brands are looking for new ways to engage with their consumers and to bridge the online-offline experience gap that exists today while shopping.

How Big Brands Leverage Augmented Reality

Immersive AR experiences are increasingly being leveraged in stores, to create memorable and personalized relationships between the brand and its customers. Through augmented reality, retailers can not only engage the otherwise passive customers but also provide the context needed for them to make a decision and significantly improve the likelihood of the customer making a purchase.

Lego, for instance, used an augmented reality digital box in its stores for parents/kids to put up the physical boxes in front of the screen and see different scenes being built and come to life. This allowed parents and kids to find the right set and also proved to be a fun way to engage with consumers.

Other retailers use augmented reality to specifically drive sales for products that typically need the in-person context to make a buying decision. Houzz’s AR-powered app offers consumers the ability to view their rooms from their phone camera and ‘drop in’ true-to-scale 3D furniture items superimposed on their physical reality, for them to make a more informed buying decision.

Converse’s AR app lets consumers try shoes at home by simply pointing the camera at their feet. They can then evaluate multiple models with varying colors within minutes from the comfort of their home. The app is also integrated with their e-commerce platform, creating a seamless flow from discovery to intent to making the final purchase.

The Future of Retail Is 3D

While all these examples use AR in slightly different ways, they all have one commonality: the buyer is at the center of the experience and the camera has become the new home page. Replacing 2D images with interactive 3D products gives the shoppers the context through visualizations that they need, to be confident in their decisions.

The experience boosts consumers’ confidence, allowing them to make the right choice because AR provides the level of real-life context missing from a flat, 2D product image online. It’s a win-win for the customers and the retail brands, who experience a big increase in conversion rates and a lower product return rate by leveraging augmented reality.

Consumers are coming to expect this experience. Augmented reality adoption is following a similar pattern to mobile phone adoption of the 2000s. And as the mobile-first Gen Z cohort continually gains more buying power beyond the $360 billion they already have in disposable income, we will see large retailers transforming their traditional online and in-person shopping experiences into more immersive, 3D retail experiences to reshape online browsing and buying behavior as we know it.

Guest Post

About the Guest Author(s)

Aluru Sravanth

Aluru Sravanth

A technology enthusiast and a student for life, Sravanth started Avataar in 2014, with a vision to uncover untapped potential from the confluence of self-learning AI and computer vision.

How Large Retail Brands Are Using Augmented Reality Read More »

pinko-experience-powered-by-emperia-amid-funding-announcement

PINKO Experience Powered by Emperia Amid Funding Announcement

Beauty & Fashion, e-commerce, extended reality, fashion, featured, Retail / /

Virtual store builder Emperia recently announced a new funding round, as well as hints at how that funding round will impact their roadmap going forward. In the meantime, PINKO is joining the list of retailers showing us what Emperia is already capable of.

PINKO’s Virtual Store From Emperia

Emperia isn’t a Harry Potter spell, it’s a tech company that “marries the reach and accessibility of e-commerce with the impact of physical customer service shopping experience.” ARPost first met Emperia about a year ago when the company launched “Artemis”, its software-as-a-service solution for virtual storefronts.

“With the realization that clients will be using these spaces in the long term, and the need to constantly change/update the virtual store the same way they would change their physical space, Emperia created a platform that enables full customization of product displays as well as decor, allowing brands full creative control,” Emperia co-founder and CEO Olga Dogadkina said last year.

Emperia PINKO virtual store

PINKO, the other name in our story, might be less familiar to ARPost readers. The Italian womens fashion brand is using Emperia to open its first virtual storefront and explore virtual sale items. The opening of their first virtual store coincides with the opening of a new brick-and-mortar boutique location in Milan, according to a release shared with ARPost.

“Opening in such a prestigious and internationally established location, we decided as a mission statement to give global resonance to our new and unique store,” said PINKO CEO and founder Pietro Negra. “The virtual shop is the most innovative environment that can guarantee us the possibility of expanding our vision of engagement for our consumers everywhere.”

A Look at the Virtual Store

To be clear, PINKO isn’t a stranger to e-commerce generally. The company’s online purchasing infrastructure is already robust. However, there’s a big difference between experiencing the PINKO shopping experience online and the PINKO shopping experience in one of their stores. Their virtual store from Emperia is partially intended to help bridge that gap.

PINKO virtual store Emperia - handbags

Further, PINKO’s one-room virtual storefront in the clouds isn’t only for physical goods. Interactive 3D models of PINKO’s recognizable handbags help users understand the physical bags that they can purchase through the experience. Some of the 3D models also represent “Meta Love Bags” – an exclusive line of NFTs.

PINKO x Experia virtual store handbags

“Our 3D technology ensures a high merchandise-viewing quality, which complements its real-life twin product, to the smallest detail, allowing PINKO to present and directly-sell its exclusive capsule collection in a way that simulates a realistic shopping experience,” Dogadkina said in the release.

$10M Can Do a Lot for a Good Roadmap

Of course, there’s also big news for Emperia. The company recently announced a $10M series A funding round led by Base10 but including a number of other funders including the Sony Innovation Fund.

“I’m confident that the pool of participating investors in this round, from both the U.S and Europe, will make for a great network of advisors as Emperia continues its global expansion, pioneering e-commerce’s next generation,” said Dogadkina “I’m looking forward to delivering an even more impactful experience for our brand partners.”

The release also included some insights into what the company plans to do with the funding round. Goals include growing the team, improving Artemis, developing its customer data suite, and increasing the platform’s market presence. The release also expresses the intent to work with more partners in the space, which is always exciting for the product and the general field.

Speaking of the general field, the comments provided by investors help to speak to Emperia’s exact position within the emerging technology ecosystem. Base10 partner Luci Fonseca described Emperia as a “Web 2.5” solution.

“It is a device-agnostic bridge for brands to engage with a new generation of consumers while driving real commerce,” Fonseca said in the release. “Emperia is pioneering the development of virtual store creation and maintenance, and we’re excited to be partnering with a team that is truly building for the future of e-commerce.”

InfiniteWorld CEO Brad Allen used “Web 2.5” to describe his company “building a bridge to Web3” in an October interview with ARPost. The term is gaining traction in the industry to describe experiences that utilize and explore emerging trends like immersive tech or blockchain without relying on them completely as a business model.

More Coming Soon

It’s naturally exciting to see a company in the space clear funding rounds, particularly with prodigious investors like those backing Emperia. It’s even more exciting to see the sorts of plans that the company has for that money. Checking in with companies like PINKO to see how these movements are affecting their business models also sounds like a promising discussion.

PINKO Experience Powered by Emperia Amid Funding Announcement Read More »

qreal-launches-multi-brand,-multi-category-ar-virtual-try-on-app-tryo

QReal Launches Multi-Brand, Multi-Category AR Virtual Try-On App TRYO

AR Apps, augmented reality, featured, Retail, shopping / /

 

Virtual try-on is not an entirely novel concept. Converse, for one, first offered this shopping experience back in 2010 through The Sampler iPhone app which leveraged augmented reality. However, limitations on technology and devices hampered the adoption of virtual try-on.

With the rising popularity of online shopping today, virtual try-on is getting the spotlight. As it helps address challenges in online shopping, it enables consumers to get the best possible experiences when shopping on digital platforms.

Addressing Challenges in Online Shopping

In 2021, online retail sales in the United States amounted to $1.050 trillion. However, the amount of merchandise returned accounts for approximately 20.8 percent of this figure. That’s a whopping $218 billion in returns.

One contributing problem to this loss is the difficulty shoppers face in finding out how an item will fit or look on them without trying it on. This results in ill-fitting clothing, wrong shades, unmet expectations, and other issues that compel buyers to return the products.

Leveraging advanced AR and VR technology, virtual try-on presents an effective solution to this problem. This digital tool lets shoppers try on items before purchasing them. A smartphone, an app, and a few taps of their fingertips are all they need to make better selections when shopping online.

A Snap research substantiates how effective virtual try-on is. In their recent research, 80% of shoppers said that they feel more confident in their purchases as a result of using AR. The same research shows that 2 out of 3 shoppers are less likely to return a product after using AR.

Still, shoppers have limited options when it comes to using this functionality. Not all brands have virtual try-on apps. Also, shoppers have to visit different online boutiques or download multiple apps to use the virtual try-on.

This is something the newly-launched TRYO – a virtual try-on experience that lets shoppers view multiple brands and multiple categories in one library – could help with.

QReal AR Virtual Try-On App TRYO

TRYO’s Virtual Try-On: Revolutionizing How People Shop Online

TRYO strives to become the engine that powers the next evolution of shopping. It is creating a vast library of 3D branded models including products from Gucci, Cartier, and Adidas to name a few.

TRYO provides online shoppers with a one-stop shopping experience. Through advanced AR tech, shoppers can virtually try on footwear, watches, hats, eyewear, and other merchandise. From over 500 items at the time of the launch, TRYO’s library of ultra-realistic branded models will be growing fast with new products planned to be added weekly.

TRYO AR virtual try-on app

As TRYO offers brands an easy way to provide exceptional shopping experiences, we can expect more rapid adoption of virtual try-on technology across the industry.

“We want to show brands how easy it could be to embed a virtual try-on experience into their own websites,” said Mike Cadoux, co-founder of TRYO, and Managing Director at QReal, in a press release shared with ARPost.  “It may seem like a daunting task, but we’re able to do it. TRYO shows it can be done.”

Developed by QReal, The Glimpse Group subsidiary, TRYO features world-class 3D and AR capabilities. It is now available for download in the App Store. Shoppers can also view the 3D models in the TRYO digital showroom.

The Future of Shopping Is More Exciting

Virtual try-on apps bring value to both brands and shoppers. Brands are able to deliver memorable shopping experiences that delight shoppers and make their buyer journeys seamless and enjoyable. They are also able to ensure customer satisfaction and lessen the need for returns. Ultimately, utilizing virtual try-on technology impacts the entire industry and makes shopping more exciting.

QReal Launches Multi-Brand, Multi-Category AR Virtual Try-On App TRYO Read More »