AR in eCommerce: The Game-Changer for Online Shopping

The use of AR in ecommerce continues to grow rapidly. Around 98% of the world’s top retailers are expected to adopt AR by 2027, with a projected market size of $18.1 billion by 2026. This rapid growth underscores the increasing demand for immersive and interactive shopping experiences.

According to Grand View Research, the global AR market in retail is expected to reach $18.1 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.3%.

The application of augmented reality in ecommerce is expanding exponentially. Approximately 98% of the world’s largest retailers are expected to implement AR by 2027, with an estimated market size of $18.1 billion by 2026. This exponential growth confirms the rising demand for interactive and immersive shopping experiences. Online consumers use AR to interact with products more realistically, allowing them to visualize the look and fit of items before making a purchase.

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Transformative Impact of Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) in ecommerce is transforming by enabling people to engage more deeply and interactively with products. It helps consumers visualize items in their environment or worn on their person before purchasing. Integrating AR into an eCommerce mobile app can significantly increase user engagement and improve buying decisions. 

AR app development focuses on creating applications that superimpose digital items onto the real world, offering features such as virtual try-ons and 3D product previews. The combination of AR and eCommerce allows companies to provide unique and personalized shopping experiences, driving sales and customer satisfaction.

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Augmented reality is making online shopping a tremendous influence. Listed below are the 10 advantages of how AR is used while shopping.

10 Key Benefits of Augmented Reality in eCommerce

1. Enhanced Product Visualization

One of the most significant advantages of AR in ecommerce is immersive 3D product visualization. Consumers can view products on their mobile devices and see how they fit into their spaces. For instance, furniture buyers can use AR to see how a couch or table will look in their homes or offices. Platforms like Magento and WooCommerce integrate AR tools to enhance product visualization for customers.

Key Statistics:

• According to MageBit, the global AR and Virtual Reality (VR) retail market, valued at approximately $2.7 billion in 2020, is projected to reach $11.6 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 23.5%.
• PwC predicts that AR and VR could boost global GDP by up to $1.5 trillion by 2030.

2. Increased Customer Experience

AR enhances user experience and engagement on ecommerce platforms. AR app development helps retain customers on sites longer and increases conversion rates. Whether customers are trying on clothes or shoes, AR makes their shopping experience more enjoyable and drives sales.

Key Statistics:

• According to Statista, by 2026, 75% of ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, will integrate AR tools, making virtual try-ons and interactive shopping experiences standard.
• According to PwC, by 2026, over 100 million consumers worldwide will use AR for shopping purposes.

3. Reducing Return Rates

A major challenge in ecommerce is high return rates, often due to products not meeting customer expectations. AR enables virtual try-ons, helping customers ensure products fit correctly before purchasing. Many B2B companies also use AR to verify product orders before shipping, minimizing returns.

Key Statistics:

• According to Gratner, by 2027, over 80% of B2B companies will use AR to improve product selection accuracy, reducing errors and returns by approximately 20%.
• According to PwC, AR could reduce fashion retailer return rates by up to 25% by 2026.

4. Cost-Effective Marketing

Traditional marketing methods like print and physical ads are costly. AR enables businesses to create immersive, affordable marketing campaigns, including AR-based product demos, virtual storefronts, and interactive advertisements.

Key Statistics:

• Business Insider projects that the AR advertising market will reach $13 billion by 2026.
• Statista predicts that AR-based ads will achieve 80% more engagement compared to standard digital ads by 2027.

5. Expanding Market Reach

AR shopping allows brands to reach global customers in a virtual space, eliminating the need for physical stores. This is particularly beneficial for B2B companies looking to expand internationally.

Key Statistics:

• Deloitte predicts that by 2026, 30% of B2B companies will rely on AR to connect with global customers.
• Gartner estimates that 80% of ecommerce brands will use AR to enable global shopping experiences by 2026.

6. Enhancing Brand Image

Brands that integrate AR are seen as innovative and customer-focused, strengthening their reputation and customer loyalty.

Key Statistics:

• Deloitte predicts that by 2027, AR will account for 50% of positive customer interactions with brands.
• Business Insider estimates that AR features in social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat will significantly enhance brand engagement by 2026.

7. Personalized Shopping

AR enables personalized shopping experiences by offering customized recommendations based on past selections or virtual try-ons.

Key Statistics:

• Gartner predicts that by 2026, 50% of ecommerce brands will integrate AI with AR for enhanced personalization.
• PwC expects 80% of consumers to prefer personalized AR shopping experiences by 2027.

8. Interactive Customer Support

AR can improve customer support by providing interactive troubleshooting and real-time assistance.

Key Statistics:

• Accenture predicts that by 2026, 80% of customers will use AR-enhanced customer support.
• Statista forecasts that by 2027, 60% of ecommerce businesses will integrate AR-based customer support features.

9. Improved Shopping Experience

AR reduces the uncertainties of online shopping, making the process more interactive and enjoyable, which boosts customer loyalty.

Key Statistics:

• According to Deloitte, by 2026, 60% of online retailers will have integrated AR, leading to a 35% increase in customer retention rates.
• According to Statista,  by 2027, 50% of mobile shopping apps will feature AR.

10. Boosting Sales and Conversion Rates

AR-driven shopping experiences remove barriers to buying and increase sales.

Key Statistics:

• According to Google’s AR research, 66% of consumers prefer brands offering AR-powered interactive experiences.
• According to Forrester, AR-driven ecommerce sales will reach $50 billion globally by 2026.

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Applications of Augmented Reality in Ecommerce

Virtual Try-Ons

Fashion, beauty, and eyewear firms have, by and large, welcomed AR technology to allow clients to test the products. Ranging from testing shades of make-up, clothing, to glasses, the clients can utilize their smartphones or webcams to test on the apparel without actually venturing out of the house. Such an application of AR provides a three-dimensional feel, which not only builds confidence in purchase decisions but also conserves time.

Key Statistics:

• According to Forrester, by 2026, 80% of online fashion and beauty retailers are expected to integrate AR virtual try-on features to improve customer experience.
•  According to Deloitte, virtual try-ons and AR shopping tools are projected to contribute to $70 billion in global ecommerce sales by 2028.

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AR Product Demos

In ecommerce, AR enables customers to see products in 3D or mimic their usage in a virtual world. For example, a customer may use AR to see how a kitchen appliance functions or observe detailed specifications of a smartphone, enabling them to make more informed choices. This interactive product demonstration provides tremendous value to the ecommerce experience.

Key Statistics:

• According to Market U.S., the AR shopping market is expected to grow from $4 billion in 2023 to over $50 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of nearly 30%.
• According to Statista, with AR allowing customers to virtually try out products, return rates are projected to drop by 40% by 2030, saving ecommerce businesses billions in reverse logistics costs.

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Virtual Showrooms

With AR technologies, retailers can set up virtual showrooms where customers can experience their products in a virtual format. Customers can walk around, zoom in on, and touch the products they want to purchase, simulating the in-store experience online. This is particularly beneficial for furniture and home décor, where visualization is a large part of making a purchase decision.

Key Statistics:

• According to Statista, the global AR-powered virtual showroom market is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030, driven by advancements in 3D rendering, AI, and AR commerce.
• According to Gartner, by 2028, 70% of major ecommerce retailers will offer AR-powered virtual showrooms to provide customers with an immersive, interactive shopping experience. 

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AR Navigation in Stores

For companies with physical and digital stores, AR can augment the in-store experience as well. Through AR-capable apps, shoppers can move through physical stores and receive product information and offers on their smartphones. This unites the physical and digital shopping experience.

Key Statistics:

• According to Forrester, stores implementing AR-driven in-store guidance will experience a 40% rise in sales by 2028, as customers can find products faster and engage with personalized deals.
• According to Statista, by 2029, half of all shoppers will use AR-enabled store navigation apps for a seamless in-store experience, eliminating the need for manual aisle searches.

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How to Integrate AR into Your Ecommerce Platform

• Select the Right AR Technology: Whether you need marker-based AR, location-based AR, or projection-based AR, the right AR technology is important for your business objective.
• Collaborate with Experts: Collaborate with a business AR app development company that knows how to develop smooth AR experiences and verify their device support.
• Ensure User-Friendliness: Make sure that the AR features you integrate are adaptive and easy for users to navigate.
• Test and Optimize: Always test your AR features for performance and optimize them based on user feedback to ensure a smooth shopping experience.

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Final Thoughts

AR in ecommerce is a new model for online consumers to shop with an experience that is increasingly interactive, immersive, and personalized. As organizations embrace AR ecommerce, they can significantly boost satisfaction, reduce returns, and optimize sales. With the maturity of AR app development, it has never been simpler to combine AR with ecommerce app development.

Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento are already integrating AR capabilities into their frameworks so that companies can enable easy shopping experiences. Similarly, B2B organizations have started employing AR to offer better product visualization and customer interaction. With technological advancements, ecommerce using AR will become a game-changer. If you are currently searching for AR app development for your company, this is the time to go and discover this phenomenal technology that’s changing the world of online buying. 

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Ready to Transform Your Ecommerce Experience with Augmented Reality?

At Cubix, we specialize in developing innovative and scalable ecommerce apps with AR integration. From interactive product visualization to immersive shopping experiences, we help you stand out in the digital marketplace. Boost customer engagement, reduce returns, and enhance conversions with AR-powered solutions.

Contact us today to get started on building your AR-powered ecommerce platform and take your business to the next level!