The Evolution of Shopping in the Digital Age: An AR and VR Revolution

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Retail Reimagined: How Social Commerce, AR & VR Transforms Online Shopping

23 Oct 2023
Hegsymol Raju

Business Analyst

Welcome to the exciting world of online shopping! Imagine a place where two amazing technologies, Social Commerce and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), come together to create something entirely new. This special blend is changing how we shop and connect with brands. It’s like mixing fun, interactive experiences with shopping. As the line between real and virtual gets fuzzy, Social Commerce and AR/VR are giving us a fresh way to enjoy shopping and hanging out online. Let’s dive into this awesome journey where technology meets reality, reshaping how we shop and experience eCommerce!


Social commerce uncovered

Social commerce brings together social media platforms and online shopping, allowing users to buy products directly within their favorite social media environments. It’s like shopping while you’re hanging out on social media. This merging of social engagement and eCommerce enables users to explore, share, and purchase items without having to leave their social media platforms.

Social commerce taps into the massive user base and interaction on social media to boost sales and raise brand visibility. It’s about making the shopping experience seamless and interactive within the social media world. A cool part of this is “Shoppable Posts,” where businesses and influencers showcase products. You can click on these tagged products within the post and buy them right there without navigating elsewhere.

Social commerce’s popularity stems from its ability to enhance the shopping journey, leverage social interactions, and increase business revenues. Imagine shopping while hanging out with friends on social media – that’s what social commerce brings to the table.


Augmented & Virtual Reality: where the digital meets reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is technology that adds digital content like images or videos to the real world. It’s like blending virtual stuff with what you see around you. This is done using cameras, sensors, and devices like smartphones or AR headsets. AR lets you interact with virtual stuff superimposed on the real world. You can wave, talk, or use gestures to play with the digital things mixed with reality.Apple has announced an augmented reality headset called Apple Vision Pro that “seamlessly” blends the real and digital world. 

Virtual Reality (VR) is like stepping into a different world through special headsets. It’s like wearing these goggles and suddenly you’re in a whole new place. Imagine being inside a video game or a movie where you can look around, walk, and even interact with things in this digital world. It’s like going on an adventure without leaving your room.

These tech marvels are being used in online shopping. You can “enter” a virtual store and pick up, check, and even talk to virtual salespeople. This needs a VR headset, which is getting more affordable. Some websites even let you experience VR using your regular computer or smartphone. Big online stores are setting up virtual showrooms and VR experiences, making it feel like you’re browsing in an actual store.

It’s a game-changer for online shopping. With AR, you can use your phone to see digital stuff overlaid on the real world, like a mix of digital and reality. VR lets you explore virtual stores, walk around, look at things, and interact with them like in a real store.


The perfect match: when AR, VR, and Social Commerce come together

In today’s digital world, online shopping is always evolving. People want new and exciting ways to make their online shopping fun. One amazing combo that’s getting attention is the mix of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) with social commerce. It’s like merging online shopping with real-life experiences, creating a cool connection between shoppers, brands, and their social circles.

Imagine scrolling through your social media and finding a pair of sunglasses you love. But how do they look at you? That’s where AR comes in. With a tap, you can virtually “try on” those shades. You’ll see yourself wearing them through your phone’s camera, getting a feel for how they match your style – all without leaving your couch.

AR isn’t just for fashion – it works for cosmetics, home decor, and more. Ever wondered how a new couch would fit in your living room? AR lets you see it without lifting a finger.

Sharing the fun is easy too. You can show your virtual try-ons to friends, getting their opinions before hitting “buy.” Brands like it too – less guesswork means fewer returns, saving time and money for everyone.

As tech keeps advancing, so does AR in social commerce. The line between online and offline shopping gets blurrier, creating immersive experiences that change the way we shop.

Augmented and virtual reality have changed how we interact with our world by adding digital stuff to what we see. When these ideas meet online shopping, they open up new ways to explore products. You can virtually try out things before buying them. For example, you could see how furniture fits in your room or how shoes look on you, all through your phone’s camera.Apple Vision Pro is a mixed reality device capable of both virtual and augmented reality experiences.The headset would be enclosed, allowing full VR experiences isolated from the real world. However, it would also support AR passthrough by using cameras.

This works by putting digital stuff over the real world through your phone’s camera. Let’s say you want to buy furniture. With AR, you can pick different pieces and put them in your real room using your phone. This helps you see how they’d look and fit before you make a decision.

And it’s not just clothes – this tech goes beyond. You can also try out furniture, makeup, and more. You can see how things fit in your space without going to a store.


Use Cases

Social media makes this even cooler. You can share your AR shopping with friends, making it more fun. Big social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram have added AR shopping, and more might do the same soon.

As companies try to stand out in a crowded market, using AR and VR in online 

Shopping is a smart move. It makes shopping more interactive and reduces returns by giving shoppers a better idea of what they’re getting.

In the world of online shopping, something really exciting has happened! Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Social Commerce have joined forces to create something amazing. Imagine shopping that’s not just clicking buttons – it’s like stepping into a new world where you can try things on and explore in a whole new way.

This special mix of technology has made shopping an adventure. You can see products like they’re right in front of you using AR and even try them on virtually. You can also visit virtual stores and see things up close with VR. This makes shopping super fun and interactive, like playing a game.

These technologies have made shopping more personal and exciting. Brands can create special moments that make you feel connected and excited. It’s not just about buying stuff anymore – it’s about experiencing things in a whole new light.


Denouement

In simple words, when you mix Social Commerce, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR), online shopping gets more exciting. You can try on stuff virtually, interact with products, and even join events hosted by brands. It’s like turning your social media into a shopping mall, and your device into a magic mirror. The future is here, and it’s like bringing the store right to your screen.

As we wrap up this journey, we’re at the doorstep of a new era in shopping. It’s not just about transactions; it’s about having an enchanting experience where technology blends with reality. The Perfect Match of AR, VR, and Social Commerce has changed how we shop online, bridging the gap between what we dream and what we do. And the best part? This is just the beginning. Technology is moving ahead, and we can look forward to even cooler things that will keep transforming how we shop, connect, and enjoy the digital world.

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