Why Shopify Augmented Reality (AR) is a Great Opportunity for Small Businesses

Shopify AR (augmented reality) is changing how small businesses approach eCommerce. With AR and 3D, brands can showcase their 3D models from all angles and in different environments. AR can help businesses boost their services and increase conversion rates.

According to FinancesOnline, more than 60% of shoppers prefer using AR, and 46% of shop owners are optimistic about the transition to an AR/VR resolution. By integrating AR into marketing campaigns and business processes, brands can stay competitive in a growing online shopping industry.

In 2018, Shopify, one of the largest eCommerce platforms, partnered with Apple’s AR Quick Look and built a marketplace to help small businesses create 3D models of their products. We explain what Shopify AR is and how different shops leverage AR and 3D.

Key Takeaways

• What is Shopify AR?: Shopify is an eCommerce platform used by over 1,700,000 businesses globally. Shopify AR is a tool within this platform that helps businesses create interactive AR experiences for their customers. Customers can view 3D models of products at scale and from all angles using mobile devices. This helps customers better understand the size, scale, and detail of items, reducing uncertainty and boosting purchase confidence.

• Shopify AR's Impact on Conversion Rates: Shopify AR allows businesses to showcase their products in realistic, interactive 3D models, which can lead to a significant increase in conversion rates—up to 250% on product pages. This increase is driven by customers' enhanced ability to evaluate products before purchase, reducing the likelihood of returns.

• How Businesses Leverage Shopify AR: Pure Cycles, Nomatic, Editors Keys, and HORNE are just a few of the brands that have successfully used Shopify AR to enhance their product offerings. These companies allow customers to zoom in and explore product details in 3D, leading to improved customer engagement and higher sales.

• Enhance the User Experience with Shopify AR: Shopify AR is accessible on iOS devices via Safari without the need for additional apps or headsets, making it convenient for customers to explore products in augmented reality. This technology bridges the gap between online and in-store experiences, helping customers visualize products in their own environments.

• AR is the Future of eCommerce: With AR technology evolving rapidly, Shopify AR offers small and medium-sized businesses a competitive edge. By incorporating AR into their eCommerce strategy, brands can meet the growing demand for immersive, interactive shopping experiences.

What is Shopify AR?

Shopify AR is a powerful tool that allows businesses to create immersive, 3D shopping experiences directly on their eCommerce websites. Shopify AR was introduced in 2018 as a response to the growing demand for more interactive and engaging online shopping experiences. With the rise of mobile shopping and the increasing availability of AR technology, Shopify saw an opportunity to integrate AR into its platform, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.

By partnering with Apple’s AR Quick Look, Shopify made it possible for merchants to easily add 3D models of their products to their stores. This technology allows customers to view products in augmented reality through mobile browsers without the need for additional apps or hardware. Using AR, customers can place virtual versions of products in their real-world environments, helping them better visualize the size, scale, and fit of items before making a purchase.

How Shopify AR is Changing eCommerce

The development of Shopify AR began as part of a broader trend in eCommerce, where businesses were seeking ways to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Augmented reality was already gaining popularity in sectors like gaming and entertainment, but its potential in retail was still largely untapped. Recognizing this opportunity, Shopify invested in AR technology to help businesses offer more personalized, engaging shopping experiences.

Shopify AR debuted with support for 3D models on iOS devices, allowing users to view and interact with products in real-time. This initial launch was focused on making the technology accessible to businesses of all sizes, offering tools to help create and upload 3D content to their stores. Over time, Shopify expanded AR functionality to include more advanced features, such as product visualization at different angles, the ability to zoom in on intricate details, and integration with other AR platforms.

Use Cases of Shopify AR

The use cases of Shopify AR are vast, spanning a variety of industries and products. Here are some of the most impactful applications:

Furniture and Home Decor

Retailers like HORNE use Shopify AR to allow customers to visualize furniture in their own spaces. Shoppers can place 3D models of chairs, tables, and other home decor items in their rooms to see how they fit and look in context before making a purchase.

Fashion and Accessories

Brands offering clothing, jewelry, and other accessories can use Shopify AR to show customers how products will look when worn. Virtual try-ons allow shoppers to experience the size and fit of items, increasing confidence in their buying decisions.

Electronics and Gadgets

Companies like Editors Keys use AR to give customers a closer look at the features of electronic products. With 3D models, customers can interact with items such as keyboards, seeing them from all angles and zooming in on specific details before buying.

Bicycles and Sporting Goods

Retailers like Pure Cycles use Shopify AR to let customers inspect the intricate details of bicycles and other sporting goods. AR allows users to zoom in on specific parts like gears and handlebars, offering a more in-depth look at the product without visiting a physical store.

The Future of Shopify AR

As technology continues to evolve, the future of Shopify AR looks promising. Augmented reality is expected to become even more integrated into online shopping experiences, with further advancements in 3D model creation, improved user interfaces, and broader platform support. For businesses looking to stay competitive in the eCommerce space, adopting AR technology can enhance customer engagement, reduce return rates, and ultimately drive higher conversion rates.

The Bottom Line

Shopify AR provides an accessible, effective tool for businesses looking to enhance their eCommerce platforms with immersive, interactive 3D experiences. By offering customers the ability to view products in augmented reality, businesses can boost conversion rates, reduce returns, and increase customer satisfaction. As more brands adopt Shopify AR, it’s clear that augmented reality is shaping the future of eCommerce, making it essential for businesses to stay ahead of the curve.

FAQs

How does Shopify AR enhance product visualization?

Shopify AR enables customers to view products in 3D from any angle, giving them a clearer understanding of the item’s dimensions, appearance, and details before purchasing.

Can augmented reality improve eCommerce conversion rates?

Yes, Shopify AR has been shown to increase conversion rates by up to 250%, as customers are more likely to make a purchase after interacting with a 3D model of the product.

Which types of products benefit most from Shopify AR?

Shopify AR is particularly beneficial for products that require close inspection, such as furniture, electronics, bikes, and fashion items, where customers want to visualize details and scale.

Do customers need special software to use Shopify AR?

No, Shopify AR is accessible on iOS devices through the Safari browser, allowing customers to interact with AR content without needing additional apps or hardware.

How can small businesses start using Shopify AR?

Small businesses can create 3D models of their products and integrate them into their Shopify stores. Shopify’s partnership with AR Quick Look makes it easy to add AR functionality and provide customers with an immersive shopping experience.