Augmented Reality Shopping

In 2009, it was projected that the market for augmented reality (AR) technology would increase ninefold before 2015, and with smartphone capabilities on the rise, a number of retailers are already planning to use AR software and apps to promote sales.

For example, FrancFranc, an online retailer of furniture and accessories, will soon release an app that allows users to visualize furniture in their home. Using a tablet or smart phone, a user can snap a picture of a room, then select a piece of furniture and see what it would look like before they purchase it.

In another application of AR for retailers, San Francisco casual clothing outlet Uniqlo has been outfitted with two virtual fitting rooms. Customers can be photographed standing in front of a mirror. Using a tablet computer, they then select clothing items to “try on” and the clothes automatically appear on their image as if they were wearing them. According to company officials, the new technology encourages people to try new styles and colors that they otherwise wouldn’t.