10 REASONS WHY AUGMENTED REALITY WILL SAVE RETAIL
Imagine the frenzied excitement of Black Friday sales combined with the mass appeal of Pokémon Go. By downloading a store’s app, customers will soon be able access special sales invisible to other consumers. When the customer holds up his or her phone in-store, favorite sports figures could suddenly appear in the middle of the floor with a new promotion. Customers can “capture” these icons to get additional discounts directly on their phones, redeemable at the cashier. And that’s just the beginning of many possible scenarios.

Emerging technologies like VR and AR create fascinating new opportunities for retailers to engage and interact with customers to enhance brand experience and customer loyalty.
According to the International Data Center (IDC), over the next four years, the amount of retail spending in AR and VR will be as much to $3.2 billion dollars, from $ 442 million in 2017.
At Palpable Media, we are particularly excited about the potential for AR for retail. We see a significant opportunity for companies to re-cast how users interact with the company online and in-store. Here are ten reasons why we believe AR will be a huge boon to the retail industry.
10 Reasons Why AR is Great for Retailers:
1 It generates a big buzz for the brand
Following the success of Pokémon Go few, if any, retailers have had the courage to execute an AR strategy to energize customers. So the first-movers to launch an AR scavenger in-store will gain the most publicity — and excitement.
2. Increase foot traffic and brings people together in real life (IRL)
AR engages customers and creates the opportunity for customers to play together in real life. More importantly, it brings foot traffic back to brick and mortar retailers — and who doesn’t want that?

3. Allows you to deepen brand identity across platforms
Use athletes, social media stars, create mascots or avatars to reflect corporate brand values. The characters or icons can also be given life on your website which reflect the brand value, lifestyle and positioning. These icons can be automated like concierges to interact with clients, answer questions or promote special events, social promotions and in-store discounts.

4. Better tracks & incentivizes customer loyalty
Want to know what your customers respond to? Track their in-store activity as well as items redeemed with purchase points.
5. Easily add new “rare” icons, creatures or features which can double retailer points
Once the app is created, the program can be altered to update the experience, driving customers in again and again for new sales. Users can experience something new or unique during each promotion — the possibilities are endless.
Surprise features make every sale Black Friday frenzy when a double points icon can be added to appear for a lucky few.
6. Position your brand as cool, fun and healthy — for all ages.
Whether yours is a cool young brand, fashion forward or a family brand, users are happy to have something new to experience. These experiences can be customized to your customer base and brand positioning.
7. Transforms advertising with 3D pop-ups
With 3D interactive tools, advertising becomes more engaging, rewarding and entertaining with 3D product pop-up images. A shoe, dress or showroom will suddenly appear in 3D. Customers can also scan item they see in a magazine, bringing them directly to your online shopping page.
8. It motivates customers to collect points for purchases — no more coupons!
Collecting coupons is so Grandma — no one wants a wad of greasy paper in their wallets, spare the trees. Allowing customers to simply download an app to find bargains in-store is a sure way to drive new sales!
9. Upgrades your App Status — get on the first page
Your app will be boosted to first three pages. Like web searches, apps have a “three click, gone” rule. So you need to be where people actually look.
10. Keeps customers loyal longer, with low overhead expense
Designed properly, a well-designed AR promotional event or game can keep customers coming back for more in-store fun and entertainment at a relatively low investment.
Sooner or later all retailers will be using AR in stores. So why be last to make a big PR splash?
