What are the benefits of augmented reality in e-commerce in 2025?
Imagine a world where you can blur the lines between real and virtual, where your living room can become your own private showroom, and where you can try on a new pair of shoes without leaving the house. Welcome to 2025: the year that augmented reality (AR) went from science fiction to science fact! This technology is becoming an integral part of the international e-commerce landscape.
In this guide, we will explore the benefits of augmented reality in e-commence and look at some key numbers.
What is augmented reality? (overview)
Augmented reality (AR) is an immersive technology that allows users to explore a virtual world while remaining rooted in reality. More precisely, it is used to superimpose virtual and imaginary elements on a physical environment.
To access AR, users need a smartphone, tablet, smart glasses or an AR headset, as shown in the image above. Once they have a suitable device, they can visit a website or application compatible with augmented reality. This technology can be used to visualise all sorts of objects and clothes: furniture, shoes, tights, etc.
AR is therefore a useful tool in numerous fields:
- E-commerce: to virtually try out clothing or furniture
- Property: to envisage a potential renovation during a visit
- Education and training: to offer immersive learning simulations
- Industry: to visualise 3D prototypes
- Video games: to integrate interactive elements into the real world (for example: Pokémon Go).
Let’s explore the benefits of augmented reality in the e-commerce sector.
Important statistics on augmented reality in e-commerce
We have put together some key statistics on this technology:
- of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand after using augmented reality
- 40% of internet users are prepared to pay more for a product if they can personalise it using AR
- 32% of consumers regularly use augmented reality while shopping online
- According to Shopify, products that can be visualised using AR have a 94% higher engagement rate than those without AR
- (Generation Z) are very interested in augmented reality-supported purchases
- The use of AR in e-commerce significantly reduces product returns.
For example, IKEA has seen a 50% reduction in furniture returns thanks to its AR app.
What are the benefits of AR in e-commerce?
1. Improved conversion rates
AR allows customers to visualise products in 3D and to superimpose them onto real spaces.
📌 Example: if a customer can’t decide between an orange rug and a brown one, they can use AR to see them in their living room and make up their mind.
Augmented reality is therefore a vital asset for e-commerce, offering an immersive experience to support customers in their decision-making process.
What’s more, AR helps to increase the average basket value. According to this study, 40% of consumers are prepared to pay more for a product that they are able to try out via AR.
2. An enhanced and personalised shopping experience
AR offers customers the chance to personalise their desired products, in addition to seeing them from different angles and virtually interacting with them. This technology opens the doors to a more engaging, immersive and personalised shopping experience.
📌 Example: if a customer can’t decide between two shades of lipstick (one of the most difficult products to buy online), AR allows them to visualise the options on their face and see if they suit their skin tone.
For furniture, augmented reality can go a step further! Customers can try out a piece of furniture in different positions and change the size in real time to explore their options. This service is extremely practical, especially for beds and sofas.
3. Reduced product return rates
In the world of e-commerce, one of the key benefits of augmented reality is reduced returns.
AR technology allows for 3D visualisation, virtual try-ons and product demonstrations, giving consumers the unique opportunity to try before they buy.
As a result, augmented reality helps to cut high return rates. Customers are saved from returning products because they “do not match the description” or are “not the right size”.
4. A good alternative to physical shops
If you are on the fence between an e-commerce website and a physical shop, augmented reality could be a good alternative. Visitors to your e-commerce site can enjoy a similar sensory experience to a physical shop (excluding touch and smell, of course).
⚠️ Augmented reality is somewhat limited in certain sectors such as perfumery and furnishings (customers cannot feel a carpet or a fluffy blanket, for example).
However, e-retailers can offer virtual fitting rooms, just like in a real shop. Customers can even flip through catalogues in an immersive and realistic fashion, especially if they are using a virtual reality headset.
5. Augmented reality in e-commerce: a competitive advantage
Let’s wrap up our list of augmented reality benefits with a key perk for e-commerce: AR can help you to stand out from the competition.
📌 Example: if someone is looking for a specific style of glasses, but cannot find them in their city, they are sure to turn to the internet. And if your website lets them try on different models virtually – and your competitors’ sites do not – there is a strong chance that they will buy from you.
In short, AR helps to build internet users’ trust in your website, as they can feel better informed about their buying decisions. And they are much less likely to return their order!
You can find examples of e-commerce websites using augmented reality in our comprehensive guide to augmented reality.
The key benefits of augmented reality in e-commerce: recap
In short, AR offers unprecedented opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
Here are the benefits in a nutshell:
- Improved conversion rates
- An enhanced and personalised customer experience
- Reduced product return rates
- A good alternative to physical shops
- A competitive advantage in e-commerce
Still got some time to spare? Find out how to analyse user behaviour on your website.
