Though the unlocking phase is underway across several countries globally, it is still far from resumption. This is precisely the reason why several retail stores still continue to be under lock and key.
This is the reason why several retail outlets are leveraging advanced technologies such as AR and VR that allow customers to have a unique touch and feel experience to offline customers. Need for adopting cutting edge technology remains highly vital, more so during testing times such as COVID-19 outbreak.
Companies such as Castlery and Ikea are swiftly tilting towards novel technological solutions to sustain competition. Owing to the abrupt halt of physical mode of retail under pandemic, an amalgamation of immersive technologies is gaining primary attention.
Castlery, a renowned furniture shop has swiftly made the vital transition in its operational approach by brainstorming a digital replica of all its popular products displayed at its physical store which is under lock and key.
Further, IKEA has also reportedly turned to online facet to compensate the losses of shut physical stores. AR is more immersive and lends a dose of reality to users as it’s allows them sufficient dosage of surroundings transparency, in contrast to VR which essentially replaces reality with alternate reality.
IKEA has recently launched its latest platform at its Space10 research center to showcase its contributions in AR integrated spatial intelligence technology. The platform is a medium to showcase high end tech and furniture designs to allow consumers have a glance of their home and commercial space designs. Lately at this recent event several high end companies participated.
This recent development initiative comes in the wake of global lockdown when consumers are restricted to homes, however, online substitutes are gaining prominence as the same can be gauged with the increasing number of its app downloads.