Case Study: Enhancing the Home Improvement Experience with Augmented Reality at Sodimac

In today’s digital age, retailers are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the shopping experience for their customers. Augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a powerful tool that can revolutionize the way consumers interact with products, particularly in the home improvement industry. This use case focuses on the successful integration of AR technology in the ecommerce platform of a leading home improvement  retailer, transforming the way customers visualize and purchase products.

Our client, an important home improvement South American retailer, embarked on a project to model over 2000 products and integrate a cutting-edge 3D/AR web viewer solution called Viewit 3D into their ecommerce platform. The goal was to provide customers with a unique and immersive shopping experience, allowing them to visualize products in 3D and augmented reality.

One area where AR technology has proven to be particularly beneficial is in the bathroom and kitchen category. Customers often struggle to imagine how different fixtures and fittings will look in their own rooms. With the integration of AR, customers can now use their smartphones or tablets to virtually place products in their existing spaces, giving them a realistic preview of how the items will look before making a purchase.

By leveraging the power of AR, the home improvement retailer has effectively bridged the gap between the online and offline shopping experiences. Customers can now explore a wide range of bathroom products, including sinks, faucets, showerheads, and toilets, in a virtual environment. This not only helps them make more informed decisions but also boosts their confidence in the retailer’s offerings.

The integration of Viewit 3D into the ecommerce platform has streamlined the customer journey. When browsing the retailer’s website, customers can easily access the 3D/AR viewer for any product that supports this feature. With just a few taps, they can switch between 3D and AR modes, rotate and zoom in on the product, and even place it in their own bathroom using the AR functionality.

The benefits of this AR implementation extend beyond the customer experience. Retailers can now showcase their products in a more engaging and interactive manner, setting themselves apart from competitors who rely solely on static images. By providing customers with the ability to visualize products in their own spaces, the retailer has effectively reduced the risk of returns and increased customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, the integration of AR technology has proven to be a valuable marketing tool for the home improvement retailer. By promoting the availability of the 3D/AR viewer on their website and through targeted advertising campaigns, the retailer has attracted a wider audience and generated increased interest in their products. This has resulted in higher conversion rates and a significant return on investment (ROI).

In conclusion, the successful integration of augmented reality into the ecommerce platform of an important home improvement retailer has transformed the way customers interact with products. The ability to visualize products in 3D and augmented reality has enhanced the overall shopping experience, reduced the risk of returns, and increased customer satisfaction. By embracing AR technology, retailers can stay ahead of the competition and provide their customers with a truly immersive and personalized shopping experience.