Technological advancements have driven the use of augmented and virtual reality. Through AR/VR, a shared online space known as the metaverse has been created, which lets users interact with digital objects and other people in a virtual environment. A market size report by Technavio revealed that the value of AR/VR is estimated to grow by $364.55 billion from 2022 to 2027. The report stated that the market expansion can be attributed to how AR/VR enhances user experience in many industries like retail.
Today, even businesses maximize AR/VR to stay competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Our previous article, The Rise of Metaverse Technology,highlights how AR/VR is being integrated in business, such as the use of AI-powered chatbots and interactive elements in e-commerce for enhanced experience. The eyewear market is one key industry player that utilizes AR/VR to its advantage, with retailer Sunglass Hut introducing innovations that are propelling user engagement and growth in the eyewear industry. Below, we look at how Sunglass Hut is maximizing AR/VR for eyewear.
Interactive shopping experience
AR/VR technology has paved the way for interactive experiences that elevate convenience in online eyewear retail stores, and one example of that is virtual try-ons. The sunglasses and glasses available on Sunglass Hut can be worn virtually through the site’s AR virtual try-on feature, allowing customers to see if a pair of sunnies perfectly fits them. Through this tech feature, you can fit your preferred frames before purchasing from the comfort of your home, including iconic sunnies like Versace’s VE4361 Biggie. Even the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which utilize AR tech, are available for you to try virtually as if you were in an actual physical store. This interactive feature enables customers to choose and fit eyewear styles without the need to head out, which is perfect for those who don’t live near a physical shop.
Innovative collaborations
What makes AR/VR so engaging is that it allows for enhanced interaction among its users. That has been exemplified through the creation of the virtual reality retail store Sunglass Hut Utopia, which also features AR try-on technology and a gaming experience. In partnership with VR tech developer Emperia, Sunglass Hut aims to put a spotlight on six exclusive sunnies from Burberry, Michael Kors, Oakley, Prada, Ray-Ban, and Versace. Sunglass Hut Utopia encourages consumers to find the perfect sunnies for them through an immersive digital experience geared towards promoting sunnies. The gaming aspect makes it more engaging because it encourages buyers to collect all the six products displayed in the store, and they even get a gift for every purchase of exclusive sunnies styles.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Sunglass Hut’s use of AR/VR tech has also made it possible to create digital sunglasses to be worn by custom-made avatars – a first-of-its-kind collaboration with avatar platform Ready Player Me that combines physical retail and the digital world. These digital sunglasses for avatars by Sunglass Hut can be claimed for free by simply visiting select physical stores across the United States and scanning a QR code on the SmartShopper digital screens inside these stores. You can redeem timeless virtual sunnies from Oakley and Ray-Ban that your avatars can sport. This is the first time that virtual avatars can wear the latest pairs of sunglasses, allowing virtual fashion to thrive. Through this partnership, the custom avatars that you use in different gaming apps and virtual spaces to interact with others can look as stylish as you.
As technology evolves, Sunglass Hut continues to pick up the pace by maximizing AR/VR tools to its benefit – from virtual try-ons and stores to digital sunnies that drive market growth and user engagement. For more articles like this, visit the iLounge website for the latest in tech.
