AR Fitting Rooms: Virtual Try-Ons That Reduce Returns by 40%
Welcome to the world of virtual try-ons and augmented reality (AR) fitting rooms, where you can try on clothing and accessories without ever stepping foot into a traditional fitting room. With the growing popularity of online shopping, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, retailers and brands are continuously looking for ways to enhance the online shopping experience. One solution that has gained significant attention in recent years is the implementation of AR fitting rooms. Not only do they provide a more convenient and interactive shopping experience, but they also have the potential to decrease return rates by a whopping 40%. Let’s dive into the world of AR fitting rooms and explore how they can revolutionize the way we shop online.
The Rise of AR Fitting Rooms
First introduced in 2010, AR fitting rooms have come a long way since their inception. Originally, they were primarily used by technology companies to showcase the capabilities of AR technology. But as the years passed, more and more fashion brands and retailers began experimenting with AR fitting rooms in an attempt to bridge the gap between online and in-store shopping experiences.
What Are AR Fitting Rooms?
AR fitting rooms are virtual platforms that use advanced imaging technology to allow customers to try on clothing and accessories virtually. By using the camera on their mobile devices, customers can “try on” items in real-time and see how they look and fit without ever having to physically put them on. AR fitting rooms use a combination of augmented reality, 3D mapping, and artificial intelligence to provide customers with a highly personalized and interactive shopping experience.
How Do They Work?
The technology behind AR fitting rooms is quite advanced and complex. First, the customer is required to download a retailer’s AR app or use their mobile browser to access the AR fitting room feature. They are then prompted to take a full-body scan, which creates a realistic 3D avatar of the customer’s body. This avatar is used to accurately map the clothing onto the customer’s body in the virtual try-on process. Customers can then try on different sizes, colors, and styles of clothing and see how they look in real-time.
The Benefits of AR Fitting Rooms
A More Realistic Shopping Experience
One of the biggest benefits of AR fitting rooms is that they provide customers with a more realistic shopping experience. Online shopping can often be a hit or miss, with customers not knowing how an item will look or fit until they receive it and try it on at home. With AR fitting rooms, customers can see exactly how an item will look on them, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of returns due to size and fit issues.
Reduction in Returns
The most significant benefit of AR fitting rooms is their ability to significantly reduce return rates. According to a study by Retail Dive, 39% of all returns are due to fit issues, with online purchases having a higher return rate compared to in-store purchases. By providing customers with a more accurate representation of the item, AR fitting rooms can help customers make more informed purchase decisions, leading to fewer returns for retailers.
Increased Customer Engagement and Brand Loyalty
AR fitting rooms provide customers with a unique and interactive shopping experience, unlike traditional online shopping. By allowing customers to virtually try on items, retailers can increase engagement and create a more immersive shopping experience. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and, in turn, build brand loyalty.
The Future of AR Fitting Rooms
With the growing popularity of AR fitting rooms, it’s safe to say that they are here to stay and will continue to evolve and shape the future of online shopping. As technology advances and becomes more readily accessible, we can expect to see even more advanced AR fitting room capabilities, such as the integration of virtual makeup and other accessories.
The Bottom Line
Virtual try-ons and AR fitting rooms have revolutionized the way we shop online. They offer benefits for both customers and retailers, providing a more convenient and realistic shopping experience. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative features and capabilities in AR fitting rooms, making them an essential tool in the retail industry.
