ZERO10 looks to rethink the future of retail with augmented reality powered store concept
ZERO10 has unveiled a prototype AR store and is showing it off at Viva Technology, a startup and tech event taking place on 14th-17th June, in Paris, France.
The introduction of the firm’s AR Mirror offering as a standalone store follows ZERO10’s recent collaborations with fashion big hitters Tommy Hilfiger and Coach, which deployed the AR Mirror and Storefront respectively.
Unlike those cases, where AR Mirror served as an additional element to existing bricks and mortar stores, the AR Store prototype presents the solution as the standalone focus, pitched as an autonomous retail agent.
ZERO10 says that its new concept tackles some of the most pressing issues within the retail industry, including cost effectiveness of space.
Sitting at no more than two sq. metres, AR Store’s proposed construction requires the AR Mirror, an iPad stand, a statistics screen and storage space. These features would allow it to carry out all the functions and operations seen in a traditional store with an average of 100 sq metres, providing significant economies of scale, ZERO10 claims.
For the first time, the AR Mirror will be showcased as a PoS system for physical retail, in addition to an element for immersive experiences and try-ons.
Visitors at the aforementioned event will be able to experience the entire customer journey, starting with trying on a curation of digital merch ZERO10 created together with Viva Technology, available physically with limited stock.
Following this, they will be offered the chance to initiate the imitation of a real purchase, where they will be able to select their sizing and receive a free physical version of their selected item at the reception desk.
The side screen will be used to provide numeric data about ZERO10's products and in future it will broadcast the number of try-ons and initiated purchases.
In addition to the digital merch, there will be virtual designs from the Coach Tabby and Vogue CS x ZERO10 collections available to try on through the AR Mirror, showcasing virtual try-on capabilities for both clothes and bags.
“We believe that 50% of physical retail will incorporate AR solutions or will become AR stores itself in the next 10 years,” says ZERO10 CEO George Yashin.
“Customers want to try new types of shopping and augmented reality will elevate the future in-store experience. We see the technology as a powerful tool for retail and we are still at the beginning. Results from our recent collaborative projects already ensure and indicate that our AR Mirrors aided in engaging customers and increasing in-store traffic.”
He adds: “This tool also has a lot of potential in terms of business optimisation and moving toward more sustainable fashion, such as reducing the rent cost, cutting storage, avoiding overproduction, etc.”
“It’s the first prototype of the AR Store and we are excited to show it at Viva Technology, the leading industry event. Soon, we will present the next iteration of the product in collaboration with a fashion brand.”
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